Anna and the Angel
A contemporary retelling of an ancient narrative
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Parthian Books
Published:1st Nov '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This novella weaves a modern retelling of an ancient tale, exploring themes of connection, healing, and the complexities of motherhood in Anna and the Angel.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Cardiff and Newport, Anna and the Angel reimagines the apocryphal tale from the Book of Tobit, giving voice to the often-overlooked characters of Edna and Anna. This novella invites readers to explore their stories, bringing them from the shadows into the light. Through beautifully crafted prose, the narrative unfolds the complexities of their lives, revealing the emotional landscapes they navigate as mothers facing loneliness and longing.
The correspondence between Edna and Anna begins with a letter about Tobias, Anna's son, who unexpectedly arrives at Edna's home. This seemingly chance encounter sets off a chain of events that intertwines their lives, highlighting themes of connection and healing. As Tobias becomes part of Edna's family, he helps mend fractures that had previously gone unnoticed, all while he grapples with his own mission to recover a fortune for his ailing father, T. The presence of the enigmatic Az adds another layer of intrigue, weaving these families together in unexpected ways.
Anna and the Angel is a poignant exploration of relationships, mental health, and the power of serendipity. It captures the essence of human connection, showcasing how love and hope can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances. This contemporary retelling resonates with timeless themes, reminding us that some stories, regardless of their origins, continue to hold profound significance in our lives.
'This is a beautifully written retelling, demonstrating that some old stories never lose their power to move us.'– Alexander McCall Smith 'This is an extraordinary transformation of an ancient narrative into an immediate contemporary vitality. Written with wit, inventiveness, compassion and economy, it persuades us that the step from the chaotic world of the biblical Middle East to modern south Wales is not really all that far.' – Rowan Williams ‘Sensual, ambitious, flowing and intimate... [a] warm, [diverse] exploration of mental health, dodgy money and optimism.’ Gwen Davies, adjudication, New Welsh Writing Awards 2022 I’m getting in touch because Tobias is here. He’s a fine boy: handsome, kind. You and your husband must be so proud of him. He and Az came for supper and are staying the night… They don’t actually know I’m writing to you. I hope you don’t mind... And so begins a secretive, tentative and increasingly affectionate correspondence between two strangers. Edna and Anna are both mothers, both lonely in different ways. When Anna’s son Tobias turns up at Edna’s house in Newport, en route to somewhere else altogether, it seems to be an act of pure serendipitous coincidence. He settles into the heart of this adopted family, healing fractures they hadn’t even acknowledged were there. But he also has a mission to retrieve a fortune on behalf of his ailing father, the difficult and unhappy T. And there is the mysterious Az ‒ beautiful, enigmatic, and mesmerising. His presence is the thread that stitches these two families together and makes them one. -- Publisher: Parthian Books
ISBN: 9781917140140
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
132 pages