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Angel - Guardian by Françoise Sagan
This classic novel by Françoise Sagan is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt the sting of love and loss. It's a thought-provoking exploration of self-discovery that'll keep you up at night, wondering what's next.
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The Time I Let a Stranger Crash at My Place - and What Happened Next
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've been obsessed with this book since I was 14, and it still holds up today. The main character, Dorothy Seymour, is a 45-year-old woman who embodies the spirit of living life on her own terms. With her screenwriting career, good living, and carefree attitude, she's the kind of person you'd want to be friends with. I love how she values her relationships with men and isn't afraid to enjoy the sensual aspects of being a woman. The story is engaging, relatable, and full of humor, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a light-hearted yet meaningful novel that's easy to get through in a weekend.
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KararMükemmel
DilVeÜslup7/10
HikayeKalitesi9/10
KarakterGeliştirme8/10
I fell head over heels for this book when I was 14, and I still love rereading it to this day. Dorothy Seymour is a 45-year-old woman who knows how to live life to the fullest.
Angel - Guardian. Franoise Sagan, reviewWhile my neighbors are busy mowing their lawns and fighting weeds on weekends, Dorothy's getting ready for her gardening stint - and then she settles in on the veranda with a whiskey and a book.
Dorothy is a healthy, beautiful, and level-headed woman. She works as a screenwriter for a Hollywood film company, earns a good living, and spends her money just as freely. She doesn't put things off until later, whether it's money or life.
She also values the company of men. She enjoys her relationships with them and laments that there's not enough time for the sensual joys of being a woman.
At the time of the story's beginning, Dorothy has been seeing Paul, a film industry big shot, for a week. He's 40, positive, wealthy, famous, handsome, and head over heels in love with Dorothy. Our heroine can't help but think about more serious relationships, and the prospect of being alone in old age sends a shiver down her spine.
How much longer can I breathe their freedom and carelessness before nostalgia for the years I've lived, the kisses, the warmth of a man's body sets in? I need to marry Paul. It's time to let go of this boundless faith in my own health and mental balance... But what then?
They speed through the night in their sleek Jaguar, finally getting some alone time.
And then, out of nowhere, a person jumps in front of the car. Paul manages to swerve just in time, and thankfully, everyone survives - although the Jaguar doesn't.
Dorothy, moved by compassion for the young stranger, invites him to stay with her. She knows nothing about him, and he's in no hurry to share his story. Would you let a stranger into your home? Especially when the hospital says he was high on drugs that night.
What a nuisance! I wish I could live in Florence during the times when people kept others out of the goodness of their hearts.
The young stranger's name is Lewis, and they're now living together, spending Sundays together, and it seems like a romance might be brewing. But, as with all Sagan's novels, nothing is as simple as it seems.
I won't give away any more, so I'll just say that you should pick up the book and dive into the intriguing world of the novel.
In that moment, I felt like Tutankhamun, accidentally crashing a party.
One thing that struck me when I first read this at 14, but didn't notice until now, is that the super-negative character turns out to be unexpectedly charming and, despite the author's skill, you find yourself feeling more sympathetic towards him than his victims.
I remember the struggle of finding a good book back in the day. Magazines were a lifesaver, featuring works by foreign authors. I first read this novel in a magazine called 'Rovestnik' and immediately ripped out the pages to create a makeshift book. At the time, it was called Guardian of the Heart, and that title suits it better. But let's be real, our enigmatic hero isn't all angelic.
He sat completely still, staring at me. I blushed with embarrassment and high-tailed it to the kitchen. I chugged a shot of whiskey straight from the bottle – talk about a bad move!
Fast forward a few years, when books became more accessible, I stocked up on a few collections of Sagans' works.
After a long day of gardening, I love to curl up with a book and imagine I'm spending the day lounging on the veranda with a whiskey in hand. I've never dreamed of trading my life for Dorothy's, but borrowing a bit of her optimism and zest for life wouldn't hurt.
I enjoy reading about her interests, thoughts, and daily life – it's so different from mine. Kudos to her for living life on her own terms, even cooking up a storm with canned goods instead of slaving away in the kitchen. All in all, she's living her best life, without stressing herself or those around her.
They say this novel is unpredictable. I'd agree, to be honest. After multiple re-reads, I've even forgotten how I felt during my first read-through.
Sagan's writing is incredibly vivid, transporting you to the world she describes. Her characters are well-developed, the atmosphere is cozy, the everyday details are engaging, the emotions are genuine, the thoughts are thought-provoking, and the humor is a nice touch.
The ending worked for me, despite being morally questionable and a far cry from what the law would dictate.
Do you love Brahms? – another novel by F. Sagan
The Enigmatic Chanel
Pride and Prejudice – the film adaptation
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the book about?
The book follows the life of Dorothy Seymour, a 45-year-old woman who lives life on her own terms. She's a screenwriter, enjoys relationships with men, and values her independence.
Is the book suitable for all audiences?
No, the book deals with some mature themes, including sex and relationships, so it may not be suitable for all audiences.
What's the writing style like?
The author's writing style is conversational and easy to follow, making it feel like you're reading a letter from a friend.
Are the characters well-developed?
Yes, the main character, Dorothy Seymour, is well-developed and relatable, but some of the supporting characters may be a bit one-dimensional.
Is the book a quick read?
Yes, the book is a light-hearted and easy-to-read novel that's perfect for a weekend getaway or a lazy afternoon.
What's the book's message?
The book's message is about living life on your own terms and enjoying relationships with others.
Is the book part of a series?
No, the book is a standalone novel.
What's the book's genre?
The book is a work of literary fiction, with elements of romance and drama.
How long does it take to read?
The book is a relatively quick read, clocking in at around 300 pages.
check_circlePros
- •Dorothy Seymour is a well-developed and relatable character who embodies the spirit of living life to the fullest.
- •The story is engaging, relatable, and full of humor, making it a joy to read.
- •The author's writing style is conversational and easy to follow, making it feel like you're reading a letter from a friend.
- •The themes of living life on your own terms and enjoying relationships with others are timeless and universal.
- •The book is a great choice for anyone looking for a light-hearted yet meaningful novel.
- •The author's use of language is vivid and descriptive, making it easy to visualize the characters and settings.
- •The book deals with real-life issues in a way that's both authentic and entertaining.
- •The character development is top-notch, especially when it comes to Dorothy's relationships with the people in her life.
cancelCons
- •Some readers may find the character of Paul to be a bit one-dimensional and lacking in depth.
- •The story can be a bit predictable at times, which may make it feel less engaging for some readers.
- •The author's use of language can be a bit flowery at times, which may be off-putting for some readers.
- •The book deals with some mature themes, including sex and relationships, which may not be suitable for all audiences.
- •The character development of some of the supporting characters can be a bit lacking at times.
- •The book's ending can feel a bit abrupt and lacking in resolution.
- •The pacing can be a bit slow at times, which may make it feel like the book is dragging on.
- •The book may not be the best choice for readers who prefer more complex, layered storytelling.
