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Gabriel's Angel
Gabriel Bell is a grumpy 44―year old web journalist irritated by the accumulating disappointments in life. He and his girlfriend Ellie want to start a family, but Gabriel has so few sperm he can name them and knit them flippers. So it's IVF, which is expensive. Losing his job was bad enough, but getting run over and waking up to find himself in a therapy group run by angels really annoys him.
In Gabriel's group are a professional killer and his last victim, as well as the woman whose car put Gabriel and herself in a coma. From this therapeutic community, just below Heaven, they can see the lives of those they have left behind and how they cope. Will the one hit wonder resurrect his Eighties band for a reunion tour? And can Ellie and her friends retrieve what they need from Gabriel's body, so that she at least can finish what they started?
If the group do well in the therapy they may be allowed to pass into Heaven, or go back to Earth to finish their lives. If not, it's Hell. Or worse, more therapy.
In Gabriel's group are a professional killer and his last victim, as well as the woman whose car put Gabriel and herself in a coma. From this therapeutic community, just below Heaven, they can see the lives of those they have left behind and how they cope. Will the one hit wonder resurrect his Eighties band for a reunion tour? And can Ellie and her friends retrieve what they need from Gabriel's body, so that she at least can finish what they started?
If the group do well in the therapy they may be allowed to pass into Heaven, or go back to Earth to finish their lives. If not, it's Hell. Or worse, more therapy.
291 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2010
7 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Mark A. Radcliffe
5 books18 followersMark A. Radcliffe is the author of three novels, Gabriel's Angel (2010) and Stranger Than Kindness (2013), both published by Bluemoose and a collection of short stories, Superpowers (2020) published by Valley Press.
His third novel, Three Gifts (2023) was published by Epoque Press
He is currently the Subject Lead for Creative Writing at West Dean College of Art and Conservation. Prior to that he worked as a nurse, a health journalist/columnist and a senior lecturer in mental health practice and nursing. He lives in Hove with his wife Kate and swims in the sea a lot. His daughter Maia does not swim in the sea a lot but is a faster swimmer than he is anyway. He's ok with that...no, really.
His third novel, Three Gifts (2023) was published by Epoque Press
He is currently the Subject Lead for Creative Writing at West Dean College of Art and Conservation. Prior to that he worked as a nurse, a health journalist/columnist and a senior lecturer in mental health practice and nursing. He lives in Hove with his wife Kate and swims in the sea a lot. His daughter Maia does not swim in the sea a lot but is a faster swimmer than he is anyway. He's ok with that...no, really.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 9, 2017
Brits might know him as one half of 'Mark and Lard' on BBC Radio One in the '90s.
It's been pointed out to me that this wasn't written by the well known British DJ, but by another talented chap with the same name!
Ha! This is just typical of me!
Perhaps not surprisingly, the prose is no-nonsense and laddish, but this makes for an easy-reading, often humorous, page-turner.
Gabriel Bell is grumpy enough in real life, but becomes even grumpier in death when he finds himself inducted into a self-help therapy group for angels.
Think It's a Wonderful Life with modern world dilemmas, a hitman and more than a dash of wicked humour, and you'll be halfway to getting an idea of the concept of this book.
October 4, 2012
Gabriel's Angel is an emotionally complex story. The lead character Gabriel is frustrated and unfulfilled in his job. His relationship with his partner, Ellie, is marred by the fact that they cannot conceive. The frustrations of IVF and life make them something of a lost couple, unhappy and angry at their lot. An accident leads to Gabriel having to look closely at his life and his choices but is it too late to change things?
Radcliffe sets up similar scenarios with others characters at turning points in their lives. A deeply thoughtful novel about life, relationships, regret and the choices we must make in life. However, this is not some dry and philosophical work; Radcliffe injects humour at every turn. There is one scene that will have every man reading it wincing in pain and crossing their legs.
Along with the humour comes emotional intelligence and a great deal of humanity. This novel is wistful and melancholy in parts but never wallows in it. Gabriel's fall is essentially a tale about the human condition and the trials and tribulations we suffer.
A greatly enjoyable read that will leave you chuckling but at the same time reflective. More Mr. Radcliffe please!
Radcliffe sets up similar scenarios with others characters at turning points in their lives. A deeply thoughtful novel about life, relationships, regret and the choices we must make in life. However, this is not some dry and philosophical work; Radcliffe injects humour at every turn. There is one scene that will have every man reading it wincing in pain and crossing their legs.
Along with the humour comes emotional intelligence and a great deal of humanity. This novel is wistful and melancholy in parts but never wallows in it. Gabriel's fall is essentially a tale about the human condition and the trials and tribulations we suffer.
A greatly enjoyable read that will leave you chuckling but at the same time reflective. More Mr. Radcliffe please!
October 18, 2015
Part of the beauty of it is just how easy it is to read - I got through this book so quickly and smoothly, like a hot knife through butter. But while it's easy to read, it's certainly not because the writing is simple or not trying hard enough, it's just because the writing style is so crystal clear and yet so inviting at the same time. It has a very original concept at the heart of it, which makes it appealing to me in a literary world swamped with millions of stories that are so similar to each other. The idea of there being a celestial group counselling facility somewhere in the astral plane between life and death is both hilarious and fascinating. How do you go about tackling such a concept?
Brilliant book. Read it.
Brilliant book. Read it.
December 29, 2020
I had high expectations from this book, as the first few pages were very entertaining. The storyline and setting were interesting to begin with, but the idea that heaven's angels in charge of running therapy groups can be perfectly evil by sending a serial killer back to earth to carry on killing I found just ridiculous. Also that disgraced angels can be banished to who-knows-where by being made to drown themselves during a banishment ceremony, was just bizarre. Maybe I was hoping for a more idealised place up there!
Then there was the secretive attempt to extract sperm from the comatose protagonist while he lay in a hospital bed by several friends of the infertile couple. I mean, where do you find these friends who would go to such lengths? And amazingly they managed it all covertly. I see how many readers have reviewed this book favourably, so maybe it's just me who can't get my head around such bizarreness, but I found it rather disappointing.
Then there was the secretive attempt to extract sperm from the comatose protagonist while he lay in a hospital bed by several friends of the infertile couple. I mean, where do you find these friends who would go to such lengths? And amazingly they managed it all covertly. I see how many readers have reviewed this book favourably, so maybe it's just me who can't get my head around such bizarreness, but I found it rather disappointing.
January 13, 2013
better than most things I've read recently but by no means amazing...was hoping it was by the other Mark Radcliffe.
Super idea to have angels running therapy sessions for the nearly and newly dead...indeed as someone said,maybe that was he'll.
Gabriel was a great character, I enjoyed his parts and the story of Ellis and the ivf.
there was lots in there that made me smile,but a lot that didn't too...the whole dogs and tuba storyline felt like a waste of time right up to the inevitable ending...
good book to begin,would read more.
Super idea to have angels running therapy sessions for the nearly and newly dead...indeed as someone said,maybe that was he'll.
Gabriel was a great character, I enjoyed his parts and the story of Ellis and the ivf.
there was lots in there that made me smile,but a lot that didn't too...the whole dogs and tuba storyline felt like a waste of time right up to the inevitable ending...
good book to begin,would read more.
April 1, 2014
I came across this while looking for a book by the other Mark Radcliffe (the DJ one). I really liked the premise, so I thought I'd give it a punt. I'm really glad I did, it's a great story, well written and thoroughly enjoyable. I shall be reading Stranger than Kindness soon (not least because it shares its title with a Nick Cave song).
April 30, 2012
I though this was a great story! Funny, honest, entertaining and wise!
In a way it makes you think about your own life and the people in it. It reminds you to tell the people you care for that you care for them, before it's to late. I love this book, I might even read it again someday.
In a way it makes you think about your own life and the people in it. It reminds you to tell the people you care for that you care for them, before it's to late. I love this book, I might even read it again someday.
July 6, 2014
How funny!!! Such an easy enjoyable read which is ultimately A character based book not issue based. There is hope for all of us yet, a few plausible counselling sessions with God and our next journey is underway. If you believe in life after death it's a small sacrifice I say!!
January 18, 2015
I raced through this book in less than a day because I literally couldn't put it down - highly enjoyable read and unlike anything else I've ever read. Would definitely recommend this book and I can't wait to read his other novel 'Stranger Than Kindness'!
July 15, 2015
I loved the honest and down to earth (ironic really) characters. An unusual setting and circumstances lead to a very good plot. Not for the easily offended and at the right moments funny and emotive, revealing the complex nature of life. A super read. Recommended.
December 30, 2016
Amazing book.
An unusual story. Very believable characters good and bad. I was riveted one of those where you want to know the end but don't want it to finish. Quite a nice little twist at the end.
An unusual story. Very believable characters good and bad. I was riveted one of those where you want to know the end but don't want it to finish. Quite a nice little twist at the end.
September 12, 2010
Know the author and could see bits of Mark throughout this book. It made me laugh, despite being about death and IVF, and I loved the concept.
July 31, 2012
Promised a lot, don't feel it came to fruition, ultimately it felt very disjointed.
May 7, 2013
Great idea for a book with some good characters but it tailed off a little at the end with a bit of tweeness. Still a good read though.
January 6, 2025
Such an easy, honest, emotional and funny read!
I have read an afterlife theory based book before but can safely say the plot line of Gabriel’s Angel is like nothing I’ve ever read before, it’s uniqueness is one of the things I loved about it!
The story follows multiple characters and flips to several view points throughout, but at no point does it get confusing and the story flows naturally and easily!
This one really does make you stop and think about how precious life really is and how fragile it can be! It almost inspires you to look at your own life and not take anything for granted!
The comedic moments added a light tone to an otherwise heavy topic and made the read all the more enjoyable!
However . . . I will forever be wondering exactly what Gabriel wrote in his note to Ellie! 💔
I would definitely recommend Gabriel’s Angel if you want something a bit different but easy to read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I have read an afterlife theory based book before but can safely say the plot line of Gabriel’s Angel is like nothing I’ve ever read before, it’s uniqueness is one of the things I loved about it!
The story follows multiple characters and flips to several view points throughout, but at no point does it get confusing and the story flows naturally and easily!
This one really does make you stop and think about how precious life really is and how fragile it can be! It almost inspires you to look at your own life and not take anything for granted!
The comedic moments added a light tone to an otherwise heavy topic and made the read all the more enjoyable!
However . . . I will forever be wondering exactly what Gabriel wrote in his note to Ellie! 💔
I would definitely recommend Gabriel’s Angel if you want something a bit different but easy to read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
November 28, 2022
Started really well but somehow the interesting storyline began to drift and the ending wasn't particularly good. At least I read to the end but ultimately was disappointed that it didn't live up to the premise or the first couple of chapters.
July 29, 2020
I enjoyed this. Different,interesting,funny,poignant,clever.
November 25, 2024
Read it ages ago
September 6, 2024
Really loved reading this, such an interesting concept. I was moved by this book and also chuckled in places. Another reminder to love life to the full and not take any day for granted.
July 9, 2014
This would've been a great short story...
May 27, 2015
It's not what I thought it would be. Almost walked away from it, but I trudged on. All and all, not bad, but not great.
October 22, 2012
A nice little read.
May 14, 2013
Quirky, kind-of love story
April 4, 2015
A fun, intriguing concept delivered well. An enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews