The Weight of Angels by John Boyne 

I am not sure there are enough words to do this latest novel by John Boyne justice. He is a modern literary titan, not unlike the subject of this book was in his own time. I recently had the pleasure and privilege of hearing him speak about the novel and read a chapter from it, and I can happily say that the major difference is that John Boyne is a thoroughly lovely man. This is a substantial book that took me quite a while to read, but I savoured every word.

This is a novel that brilliantly blends fact with fiction. In reality, the Marquess of Queensberry left his infamous calling card at the Albemarle Club in February 1895 bearing just his name and five words: "For Oscar Wilde, posing sodomite." Oscar Wilde's decision to sue for libel set in motion a chain of events that led to his arrest, imprisonment and, ultimately, his premature death. But what if he had simply ignored the card? What if he had escaped prison and been given the chance to live out the rest of his life in peace? In The Weight of Angels, John Boyne explores that fascinating possibility, reimagining Wilde's future with remarkable insight and compassion. Set against a backdrop of real historical events, including wars, births, deaths and coronations, the novel creates an alternative history that feels both believable and deeply moving.

John Boyne has written a remarkable novel that is both an intimate character study and an epic sweep through an alternative version of history. His portrayal of Oscar Wilde is compassionate, witty and deeply human, bringing to life a man whose talents, flaws and resilience shine from every page. Despite its length, I was completely absorbed throughout, and the story stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Thought-provoking, moving and beautifully written, The Weight of Angels is a book that deserves to be read, discussed and remembered.

 

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8981058736