From the author of the award-winning The Sisters Brothers comes a dark, boozy, and hilarious tale from the LA underworld.
A nameless barman tends a decaying bar in Hollywood and takes notes for a book about his clientele. Initially, he is morbidly amused by watching the regulars roll in and fall into their nightly oblivion, pitying them and their loneliness. In hopes of uncovering their secrets and motives, he establishes tentative friendships with them. He also knocks back pills indiscriminately and treats himself to gallons of Jameson's. But as his tenure at the bar continues, he begins to lose himself, trapped by addiction and indecision. When his wife leaves him, he embarks on a series of squalidly random sexual encounters and a downward spiral of self-damage and irrational violence. To cleanse himself and save his soul, he attempts to escape …
From the author of the award-winning The Sisters Brothers comes a dark, boozy, and hilarious tale from the LA underworld.
A nameless barman tends a decaying bar in Hollywood and takes notes for a book about his clientele. Initially, he is morbidly amused by watching the regulars roll in and fall into their nightly oblivion, pitying them and their loneliness. In hopes of uncovering their secrets and motives, he establishes tentative friendships with them. He also knocks back pills indiscriminately and treats himself to gallons of Jameson's. But as his tenure at the bar continues, he begins to lose himself, trapped by addiction and indecision. When his wife leaves him, he embarks on a series of squalidly random sexual encounters and a downward spiral of self-damage and irrational violence. To cleanse himself and save his soul, he attempts to escape …
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — Oct 1, 1987 |
| Specifications | 144 pages | 5.06 in x 7.56 in |
| Keywords | Social Situations; Friendship; Social Situations; Prejudice & Racism; |
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Excerpt |
| Written By | Brian Doyle is the award-winning author of many beloved children's books. He lives in Chelsea, Quebec. |
| Written By |
| Brian Doyle is the award-winning author of many beloved children's books. He lives in Chelsea, Quebec. |
| Audience | ages 9 to 11 / grades 4 to 6 |
| Reading Levels | Lexile 840L |
Long-listed, Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, 2001
Long-listed, NSK Neustadt Prize for Children's Literature, 2004
Commended, Phoenix Honor Award, 2004
“...working-class grittiness, Irish blarney, Ottawa Valley tall tales and deadpan satire all rolled implausibly into one plausible, irresistible romp.” —Michele Landsberg
“...written with a stunning simplicity that belies the mischief, humor and poignancy of the tale. Engrossing language and unpredictable twists of plot and emotion will open a world of story and adventure.” —Kitchener-Waterloo Record
“Doyle has an eye for detail, and his writing style is appealing, with short crisp sentences.” —School Library Journal
“Doyle's finest book to date...” —Ottawa Citizen
“It is hard to imagine a novel delivering more to the young reader than Angel Square. It is funny and fast-paced...teeming with sentimentality...” —Reader's Guide to the Canadian Novel