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Angel
Lewis, a 20-year-old university student, gets dumped by his boyfriend. After a night of heavy drinking he meets Rosie, a homeless woman who comforts him and opens his eyes to a world outside the university bubble.
Tired of student life, Lewis embarks on a quest to give his life genuine meaning, trying to help those without homes and voices.
But in his attempt to help those around him, Lewis loses himself into a world of depravity, secrets and seedy encounters, which threaten to destroy his friendships... and his life.
Tired of student life, Lewis embarks on a quest to give his life genuine meaning, trying to help those without homes and voices.
But in his attempt to help those around him, Lewis loses himself into a world of depravity, secrets and seedy encounters, which threaten to destroy his friendships... and his life.
- GenresM M RomanceLGBTAmazon
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2013
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190 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 9, 2015
Alex Norris's first novel, Angel, tackles a really tough topic. His main character, Lewis Blake, is a university student attending Cambridge. Lewis goes out one evening with a group of friends and encounters a homeless woman on the street. He befriends her and learns of a mission that provides meals for the homeless. Lewis volunteers.
He feels so conflicted, tortured by guilt and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. He desperately wants to help these unfortunate people, but his volunteer efforts seem so futile and ineffective. He wants to do more, and his desire to make a real difference leads him to make some unconventional choices--some self-destructive choices.
Although I often struggle with first person narratives where the internal voice of the protagonist is cynical or sarcastic, I really sympathized with Lewis. I fully understood his dilemma and the myriad feelings that plagued him. He felt like a hypocrite because he'd been afforded so many amenities that he and those around him took for granted. As he began his volunteer work, he began to realize that it was more an exercise in assuaging his own conscience than it was a realistic way to significantly improve the lives of those less fortunate.
I think he felt unworthy, like he couldn't understand why he'd been so lucky to be given opportunities others hadn't. I think he realized that all the petty drama in his day to day life was minuscule and absurd compared to the challenges the homeless people faced. He began to question everything. What's the point in studying literature...in studying anything? What's the purpose? Where's the justice in the world? Why do some people have so much while others have nothing?
This story really moved me, touched my heart, in a way few other books ever have. It's memorable, thought-provoking, and borderline eerie in the sense that it causes the reader to look inward.
Some of Lewis's internal dialogue disturbed me...I've got to be honest. I didn't like the way he put people down for their looks or their age. But I also understood this. It's very common, especially with young gay men. Anyone over thirty is ancient and creepy, at least when viewed in a sexual context. And Lewis himself is young and slender with a beautiful face (at least that's my interpretation). So I understand his perspective.
I don't think this story is supposed to be tidy with a feel-good HEA. It's more a slice of life. Lewis matures in the course of this story. He learns some valuable lessons, and the thing I liked most about this character was that he was so beautifully flawed. At times he was vain, hypocritical, and ego-centric. Yet he was so compassionate and generous. I guess we could debate his motives, but I think the point of the story is to get us to question our own motives for our generosity (or lack thereof).
The theme of Angel was surprisingly deep, and I've got to admit it's one of the best stories I've read this year. I'm very impressed, not only by the writing, but also by the story itself.
He feels so conflicted, tortured by guilt and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. He desperately wants to help these unfortunate people, but his volunteer efforts seem so futile and ineffective. He wants to do more, and his desire to make a real difference leads him to make some unconventional choices--some self-destructive choices.
Although I often struggle with first person narratives where the internal voice of the protagonist is cynical or sarcastic, I really sympathized with Lewis. I fully understood his dilemma and the myriad feelings that plagued him. He felt like a hypocrite because he'd been afforded so many amenities that he and those around him took for granted. As he began his volunteer work, he began to realize that it was more an exercise in assuaging his own conscience than it was a realistic way to significantly improve the lives of those less fortunate.
I think he felt unworthy, like he couldn't understand why he'd been so lucky to be given opportunities others hadn't. I think he realized that all the petty drama in his day to day life was minuscule and absurd compared to the challenges the homeless people faced. He began to question everything. What's the point in studying literature...in studying anything? What's the purpose? Where's the justice in the world? Why do some people have so much while others have nothing?
This story really moved me, touched my heart, in a way few other books ever have. It's memorable, thought-provoking, and borderline eerie in the sense that it causes the reader to look inward.
Some of Lewis's internal dialogue disturbed me...I've got to be honest. I didn't like the way he put people down for their looks or their age. But I also understood this. It's very common, especially with young gay men. Anyone over thirty is ancient and creepy, at least when viewed in a sexual context. And Lewis himself is young and slender with a beautiful face (at least that's my interpretation). So I understand his perspective.
I don't think this story is supposed to be tidy with a feel-good HEA. It's more a slice of life. Lewis matures in the course of this story. He learns some valuable lessons, and the thing I liked most about this character was that he was so beautifully flawed. At times he was vain, hypocritical, and ego-centric. Yet he was so compassionate and generous. I guess we could debate his motives, but I think the point of the story is to get us to question our own motives for our generosity (or lack thereof).
The theme of Angel was surprisingly deep, and I've got to admit it's one of the best stories I've read this year. I'm very impressed, not only by the writing, but also by the story itself.
October 16, 2014
This is without doubt one of the most original novels I've read in a while. The premise is unlike any I've previously read, and I applaud the author for that. We're all aware of the plight faced by so many people who, for various reasons, find themselves living on the streets. Many of us wish we could do more to help. In 'Angel', however, the young hero seeks to do his bit for the homeless community of Cambridge, risking his education, his friendships, and his own morals in the process.
All it takes is a single chance encounter to knock twenty-year-old Lewis Blake from his predictable course and send his world spinning off its axis. Already upset over a recent break-up, he is drunk and tearful after a night out with his friends when he meets homeless Rosie. Her kindness and courage touch Lewis, and talking with her opens his eyes to the hardships endured by those forced to sleep rough. All at once, his life at the university studying English Literature seems pointless. Why waste time analyzing fiction when there are countless individuals in need of aid?
Fueled by good intentions, Lewis gives up his Saturdays to volunteer at Revitalize, an organization that provides the homeless and disadvantaged with company and a hot meal. It isn't enough. Yet, to truly make a difference, he needs money. This realization sets Lewis on a dubious path of deceit and seedy liaisons as he goes about selling his only asset. His body. The one antidote to his increasing disillusionment is Francois, a sexy fellow volunteer to whom Lewis is instantly attracted, and who he dares to hope might return his interest.
Alex Norris was himself a student at Cambridge at the time of writing this book, which lends a real authenticity to his descriptions of the city and university life. What most impressed me about this novel though was the protagonist. Lewis's voice leapt out at me from the opening sentence and remained consistent throughout. He may not always be wholly likable, sometimes coming across as superior and self-righteous. Nevertheless, there is a genuine decency about him, a desire to help those less fortunate than himself, that endeared me to him despite his faults.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
All it takes is a single chance encounter to knock twenty-year-old Lewis Blake from his predictable course and send his world spinning off its axis. Already upset over a recent break-up, he is drunk and tearful after a night out with his friends when he meets homeless Rosie. Her kindness and courage touch Lewis, and talking with her opens his eyes to the hardships endured by those forced to sleep rough. All at once, his life at the university studying English Literature seems pointless. Why waste time analyzing fiction when there are countless individuals in need of aid?
Fueled by good intentions, Lewis gives up his Saturdays to volunteer at Revitalize, an organization that provides the homeless and disadvantaged with company and a hot meal. It isn't enough. Yet, to truly make a difference, he needs money. This realization sets Lewis on a dubious path of deceit and seedy liaisons as he goes about selling his only asset. His body. The one antidote to his increasing disillusionment is Francois, a sexy fellow volunteer to whom Lewis is instantly attracted, and who he dares to hope might return his interest.
Alex Norris was himself a student at Cambridge at the time of writing this book, which lends a real authenticity to his descriptions of the city and university life. What most impressed me about this novel though was the protagonist. Lewis's voice leapt out at me from the opening sentence and remained consistent throughout. He may not always be wholly likable, sometimes coming across as superior and self-righteous. Nevertheless, there is a genuine decency about him, a desire to help those less fortunate than himself, that endeared me to him despite his faults.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
September 6, 2013
The thing I liked the most about Alex Norris' debut novel was the voice of his main character, Lewis. A young gay student studying at Cambridge, Lewis finds himself striving to do good, all the while doing things that can easily be considered bad. I enjoyed the storyline because it was unlike anything else I had read previously, after all, it's not every day that a guy decides to sell his body for sex in order to raise money to buy things for homeless people. Angel succeeds in it's mission because it juxtaposes messages about what is right, and how we go about achieving what we want. There were deeper themes involved too, as Lewis tried to prove he was able to help others on his own, even though he had to degrade his sense of self worth in order to do it. While in some places the tone was serious, Lewis' interactions with his fellow friends at school lightened up the narrative, as did the constant references to music artists and contemporary songs, which I found enjoyable. My only criticism is that there were so many supporting characters it was somewhat hard to keep track of them. The only one that really stood out in my mind was Rosie, the homeless woman who inspired Lewis' escapade in the first place. Nevertheless, this was a very enjoyable read, and I will be looking out for the next book Alex Norris writes.
April 19, 2019
Interesting
I’ve just finished reading this 📖, I didn’t read it thru in one sitting, like I sometimes do w/ other books. Something about it made me stop. I was upset with Lewis- his way of thinking was upsetting. I was very glad that Harry was there to save him. Very interesting story and characters. Glad for the ending 👍🏼
I’ve just finished reading this 📖, I didn’t read it thru in one sitting, like I sometimes do w/ other books. Something about it made me stop. I was upset with Lewis- his way of thinking was upsetting. I was very glad that Harry was there to save him. Very interesting story and characters. Glad for the ending 👍🏼
October 30, 2023
I didn't realize going in that all I had was a preview and not the full book so I don't know how much I actually read but it was not enough to want to read more.
July 16, 2014
Depressed and disillusioned after breaking up with his boyfriend, Lewis is unsure what he really wants to do with his life. His lectures hold little interest to him anymore and all his friends seem vain and shallow. Surely there's more to life than this?
Meeting a homeless woman called Rosie, she points him in the direction of Revitalize, a group that offers a free meal to those down on their luck every Saturday. Lewis turns up and finds he really likes helping people and wishes he could do more. It's winter and snowing, and most of the people are out on the streets without even a blanket or sleeping bag.
But like the people he wants to help, like most students Lewis is broke and can't really afford to help.
He's been on a dating website and a couple of times he's had offers from older men who would 'gladly pay you for your time.'
Lewis debates this for a good while and then decides to take them up on their offer to grant sexual favours for money.
Now, despite there being sexual scenes in the book, this is not erotica or romance. The encounters Lewis has are written in such a way that the reader probably feels as about uncomfortable as Lewis does during them. He feels dirty and used, but still keeps doing it in order to get more money to help the homeless.
Lewis is a wonderful, conflicted character and as the book is entirely in his first person point of view, that's who you relate to the most. Some of the other characters felt a bit flat, like Lewis' frineds at UNI. I don't know whether they were really that shallow or whether it was just because we were seeing them through his eyes.
One character who was very well-drawn, was the trans character of Jamil/Brigitte, but we didn't get to see as much of them. There was a very interesting side tale there, but we didn't get to see enough of it.
My favourite scene was when during one of his tutorials, Lewis argued with the tutor about why were they wasting their time discussing fictional people when real people were in trouble right outside the door? And then he stormed out.
It's an interesting, debut novel and a bit different than anything else I've read.
Review copy supplied by publisher
Meeting a homeless woman called Rosie, she points him in the direction of Revitalize, a group that offers a free meal to those down on their luck every Saturday. Lewis turns up and finds he really likes helping people and wishes he could do more. It's winter and snowing, and most of the people are out on the streets without even a blanket or sleeping bag.
But like the people he wants to help, like most students Lewis is broke and can't really afford to help.
He's been on a dating website and a couple of times he's had offers from older men who would 'gladly pay you for your time.'
Lewis debates this for a good while and then decides to take them up on their offer to grant sexual favours for money.
Now, despite there being sexual scenes in the book, this is not erotica or romance. The encounters Lewis has are written in such a way that the reader probably feels as about uncomfortable as Lewis does during them. He feels dirty and used, but still keeps doing it in order to get more money to help the homeless.
Lewis is a wonderful, conflicted character and as the book is entirely in his first person point of view, that's who you relate to the most. Some of the other characters felt a bit flat, like Lewis' frineds at UNI. I don't know whether they were really that shallow or whether it was just because we were seeing them through his eyes.
One character who was very well-drawn, was the trans character of Jamil/Brigitte, but we didn't get to see as much of them. There was a very interesting side tale there, but we didn't get to see enough of it.
My favourite scene was when during one of his tutorials, Lewis argued with the tutor about why were they wasting their time discussing fictional people when real people were in trouble right outside the door? And then he stormed out.
It's an interesting, debut novel and a bit different than anything else I've read.
Review copy supplied by publisher
August 14, 2014
The story wasn't bad for been Mr. Norris' first book. The story is heart warming. A college student finding out how life can be so cruel to those less fortunate, he wants to make a difference. Only, he is nearly as broke as those on the streets so he makes the horrible decision of selling his body for money so he can buy items for the homeless to help them feel a bit more comfort while sleeping outside in the dead of winter. That part there I wish wouldn't have happened for there are other safer ways of collecting money/donations to help others but instead Lewis thought it was be a faster way. A few minutes of pleasure for money.
Every winter I think of the many LGBT youth that are thrown from home, no matter their age, into the uncertainty and dangers the world has to offer, especially for a gay kid. It simply breaks my heart, especially knowing that so many of them give themselves to prostitution just so they can have food in their stomachs. What Lewis did was heroic, though, and through his bravery and caring he got to meet some very interesting people where he did make a huge difference in their lives.
Angel is a very interesting book even though at times Lewis sounds like a child, all full of himself. But then again, the author himself is just a child in my eyes at the tender age of 20.
Good job. And Congratulations go to him for his first published book!
Every winter I think of the many LGBT youth that are thrown from home, no matter their age, into the uncertainty and dangers the world has to offer, especially for a gay kid. It simply breaks my heart, especially knowing that so many of them give themselves to prostitution just so they can have food in their stomachs. What Lewis did was heroic, though, and through his bravery and caring he got to meet some very interesting people where he did make a huge difference in their lives.
Angel is a very interesting book even though at times Lewis sounds like a child, all full of himself. But then again, the author himself is just a child in my eyes at the tender age of 20.
Good job. And Congratulations go to him for his first published book!
July 22, 2013
This is a very interesting story set in Cambridge University about a student who finds himself becoming an extreme altruist. I was definitely engaged and affected by the events and gasped out loud at several points. I'd have liked to see more development of the other characters around the protagonist - it was hard to tell them apart, and the voices of the older characters sounded too young to my ears. But I would read another book by this author - I'll be interested to see how his writing develops.
October 19, 2014
PLZ SEE MY BLOG ON GR.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews