Terrible Angel : A Novel of Michael Collins in New York

Rating:
Summary: Interesting if Lightweight Twist on The Big Fella
Review: Bringing a historical character back to the present always offers interesting possibilities for humor and reacquaintance and this novel about Michael Collins' return to carry out a requirement for exiting Purgatory is no exception. The book is amusing and pretty well written, although the real Michael Collins probably deserves better. At the very least he should not be said to look like Liam Neeson (who played him in the film "Michael Collins") because he looked nothing like him. Maybe Brendan Gleeson (who also played him much more believably in "The Treaty")but not Liam Neeson. At any rate, this book is of interest mainly because of its subject, not its literary value.

Rating:
Summary: Some great high points, and only a few wobbles
Review: If you're not comfortable with the premise of Michael Collins returning(briefly) to earth 70 years after he died, then this book is not for you. If you are, it's a rich treasure trove of Collins nuggets. Given the premise, I found it amazingly believable. The characters carry conviction, and obviously the author has done both his Collins research and loves and knows New York City. So if you're interested in either New York or Michael Collins, this book is definitely worth reading. I found portions of it very moving, and the action carries the reader along. However, I'd recommend reading a non-fiction or two about Collins first, since at least half of the book's charm is the wonderful evocation of the Big Fella. I wish the author would write another book along the same lines.

Rating:
Summary: michael collins..for the novice historian
Review: The archangel Michael sends Michael Collins back to earth to get out of purgatory. A little far fetched, but I gave it a shot. For the average Irish-American who had heard of Michael Collins but really didn't know the particulars of his life, it was a quick history lesson. The writing style was a bit simplistic and at times the characters get confusing. Yet the premise of the book was interesting. I enjoyed the dialogue and his amazement at the the way things had changed since 1922. Having learned about Michael Collins from a young age, I could understand the references to Kevin Barry and Eamon DeVelera, but if you dont already know about them you'd be lost. If you want to read about the real Michael Collins and his amazing life get Tim Pat Coogans book.