Elizabeth Taylor Reading Project discussion

Happy February All !
Angel published in 1957 is Elizabeth Taylor's seventh novel.
Who will be joining me this month discussing this book ?

I have it in my February TBR pile so I’m planning on it.

Mariann wrote: "I have it in my February TBR pile so I’m planning on it." Hi Mariann, happy you will be joining in.I've been looking forward to reading this one for a long time !

Karen wrote: "Happy February All !
Angel published in 1957 is Elizabeth Taylor's seventh novel.
Who will be joining me this month discussing this book ?"

Hi Karen,
I’ll be joining. I first read the book a few years ago. This will be my second reading.

Canadian wrote: "Karen wrote: "Happy February All !
Angel published in 1957 is Elizabeth Taylor's seventh novel.
Who will be joining me this month discussing this book ?"

Hi Karen,
I’ll be joining. I first read t..."
Hi Canadian, I'm really looking forward to discussing this one.
It seems to be a popular novel that people mention a lot when talking of Elizabeth Taylor!

carissa wrote: "It's waiting at the library for me. Is the book they made a movie out of...same name as the book?"
Hi Carissa, yes, it was released 17 February 2007, so it would be fun to watch after reading the book.

I am going to read it too. Just after the one, I am reading now.

PS There is the movie? Interesting. Do the other books have adaptations too?

Mela wrote: "I am going to read it too. Just after the one, I am reading now.

PS There is the movie? Interesting. Do the other books have adaptations too?"
Hi Mela, hope you are well?
Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont was adapted to film November 2005

I’ve been looking forward to Angel and have on my pile for February reading ;).

Just started this last evening. I don't usually like child protagonists, but we'll see.

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Just started this last evening. I don't usually like child protagonists, but we'll see."
Hi Elizabeth and Susan, will look forward to reading your thoughts soon : )

Karen wrote: "It seems to be a popular novel that people mention a lot. . ."
Karen, from recently reading Beauman’s biography of Taylor, I’ve learned that Taylor was uncomfortable with the novel, largely because it is chronological. She eschewed the linear story and was irritated by writing transitions, getting characters from point A to point B. Self-centredness and self-delusion are themes that preoccupy Taylor. Angel is perhaps one of the most deluded of all Taylor’s protagonists!

I have just started but how much I dislike Angel! I don't remember when the main character annoyed me so much.

Mela wrote: "I have just started but how much I dislike Angel! I don't remember when the main character annoyed me so much."
I’ve found her quite consistent with other Taylor young female characters. Yes, her self-centredness and delusional confidence in her literary abilities are pretty hard to take, though! 😊

I finally started this last night. Infuriating character, but a good start.

Tania wrote: "I finally started this last night. Infuriating character, but a good start."
Hi Tania and Quirkyreader, will look forward to reading what you think : )

Tania wrote: "I finally started this last night."

Me too, I've got a bit behind on Taylor but as I have a copy of this one I've decided to read it next.

Pamela wrote: "Tania wrote: "I finally started this last night."

Me too, I've got a bit behind on Taylor but as I have a copy of this one I've decided to read it next."
Happy reading Pam and happy weekend : )

Thanks Karen, you too :)

I just started this, too. Angel is annoying (and spoiled), but I can’t help feeling sorry for her in the beginning.

But I've read a bit further, and she really is dreadful, almost a caricature of selfish self-centeredness.

She really is awful isn't she.

I’ve begun rereading, and I’m trying to be attentive to what is behind the (glaring)self-centredness. What else can I observe about what makes the character tick?

I can see there are some autobiographical elements here. Taylor’s mother was baffled by her need to write. (There were no such tendencies in evidence in other family members.) Angel’s mother wonders about insanity—an aunt on Angel’s deceased father’s side was mad. Nowadays, it would seem that Angel would be diagnosed with some combination of histrionic and narcissistic personality disorder, perhaps with elements of sociopathy!

This one is going slower than anticipated!

Angel went slower for me, too....maybe because I could only take her company for so long before I wanted a break.