Kiss an Angel

Rating:
Summary: Too Good to Pass Up
Review: As someone who suffered childhood trauma, I find this an exceptionally important book. It heals me. I've read it 5 times and I'm just beginning to understand it in a way I can articulate. It works like a fairy tale. Also it offers something like "magical realism" where what is bad is believable and the transformation to good is rather magical. Each of the characters has both strengths and weaknesses. Each has to learn how to become stronger in their areas of weakness, and use their strengths responsibly. They are tested and they go through trials. These are not realistically drawn characters--they are bigger than life and their transformations are improbable. I love them, as I would have as a child, including the animals who uphold the ethos of wildness and being true to our natures?a theme mirrored in the sexuality in this book. There is a little story within this book about Alex and Sheba that reminds me of "The Grand Inquisitor" in the Brother's Karamazov. The story stands on its own very well, but it also educates the reader for the rest of the book. The ideas in this story are a template that helps us understand other characters: different circumstances can cause similar traits; people can form strength in unhealthy ways especially in pride; and (mostly) people are not all good or all bad. All the characters attain redemption through doing things intrinsically difficult for them and thus becoming more whole. Note: Alex is not just being stubborn about love and children: he is dedicated to never allowing himself the chance to do evil by having a family without being able to love. He believes he cannot do it. He believes he is guided by a greater good when he makes things difficult for Daisy in order to discourage her love for him. Daisy's initial damage is to her lack of self confidence. By living through her trials in the Circus, she attains that self confidence. Alex is right when he says she is "the most decent person he ever met." How many books in any genre celebrate being decent as the main character's virtue? This book is carefully written to make sense, but it is not an easy read: lots of conflict here both emotional and cognitive. But I know I will read this book again and love it and be nurtured by it again. If you haven't experienced extreme trauma, you can't know how right on Phillps is in the cruelty she portrays, cruelty often dished out by people who are not demons?though it would be easier if they were. I find a relief in Phillips' portrayal of a reality so cruel I hope it is not known by many others. The magical part is to see beloved characters who have been deeply hurt become not just better, but totally well (although of course still imperfect). Even the "wicked queen" Sheba redeems herself by using her unique and frightening skills?she remains true to her nature but also becomes good. It's the kind of story I used to tell to myself over and over when I was 5, comforting and affirming, with the hope of growth and healing. My thanks to Susan Elizabeth Phillips for this gift I treasure.

Rating:
Summary: Best of SEP
Review: Ok, this is a weird review to write - you'll hear REALLY mixed messages! This was a really good story. I loved watching our heroine, Daisy. She was kind of goofy & shallow.... at least, that's the persona she put off at first. Although she kept her big heart & forgiving nature (a little toooo forgiving if you ask me!), she definitely learned that she was capable of alot more in life than anyone had previously taught her. I loved watching her find her feet.
On the other hand, I couldn't STAND the secondary characters in this book! It took me 200 pages to like the hero, Alex, even a little bit! In the end, all of them showed a little bit of development of human compassion, but it took them forrrrevvvvver! I don't know that I've ever read about a whole pack of people that are this self-centered, judgmental, & cruel!
Now...... like I said, this was a really good story! lol lol One thing that I can definitely say for SEP - she knows how to invoke feelings of all sorts. She's truly a good writer.