Again we saved Jen until Sunday. A book about angels seemd to fit this traditional day of worship, even if they are “Angels of Destruction.” Keith Donahue, the author of this surprising and highly recommended book, has a day-job in DC’s National Archives, proving perhaps that we can all be authors by night.
Keith Donohue wrote a very interesting book called The Stolen Child, so I had hopes for this one as well.
Angels of Destruction is good. He presents the story of Margaret Quinn and her daughter Erica. Erica ran away as a teenager and hasn’t seen her mother since. Margaret is old and ill and has never recovered from her loss.
A young girl named Nora, who we quickly figure out is an angel, helps them both find one another again. You are only peripherally aware of the larger picture for most of the book. You are more focused on Margaret and Nora and the façade they build to take care of one another.
Nora shows up at Margaret’s door and they pretend she is Erica’s daughter so she can stay.
Nora goes to school and becomes more interesting by the page.
She has gifts that amaze her peers and teachers. She has a compassion and understanding beyond her age and possesses almost magical artistic talents. The children are enthralled by her before they become afraid.
Margaret’s past unfolds as her sister arrives and when we are shown Erica’s story the pieces all fit together. Nora has been more instrumental in their lives than they know. There are darker angels circling who do not want Nora to stay, but she must. She can stand their faithless suffering.
She oversteps her normalcy and manifests talents incomprehensible and ultimately frightening to the townspeople.
As the effect that Nora is having on their lives becomes more profound, we see a tangled web unknot. There is a freedom approaching that they did not anticipate.
Angels of Destruction is a fascinating premise in an ordinary story. It is like a very well made suit that hangs a bit strangely. It is not quite hopeful or hopeless. He reminds me a bit of Sean Greer in his positive encapsulation of unhappiness. There is great joy to be taken from great sadness.
Keep your head up and your faith will see you through.