This really is a book in brief! A Card from Angela Carter is an exceptionally deft, essential 'likeness' of the acclaimed novelist Angela Carter presented by her friend and literary executor Susannah Clapp using the postcards Angela Carter sent her over a decade or so to evoke the rich life of a vibrant woman.
It's an exercise in economy and the power of editing because every word has been weighed, judged and found appropriate, and used accordingly - it is quite remarkably telling in its brevity.
I have never read anything by Angela Carter but I was keen to read this book about her, wanting perhaps to skirt round her first, to approach her obliquely, and interestingly, in the twenty years since her death there has been no biographical work. Instead of a full-scale portrait the cards form a series of linked sketches of significant occasions, preoccupations, delights and concerns, and the glimpses of their subject which they afford are expertly framed, perfectly set off by Susannah Clapp's narrative which captures every nuance of expression, every metaphorical tilt of the head.
I loved this too, Cornflower! If you're not sure where to start with Angela Carter, I recommend The Bloody Chamber, her retelling of fairy tales. They are short, vivid, quirky and funny and very Carter!
Posted by: litlove | 02 April 2012 at 05:02 PM
I liked it, but felt a bit short-changed by it too, brief is kind I think. But never read any Angela Carter, wow what a treat in store - you could consider her for a CBG choice for the future perhaps.
Posted by: Chloe | 02 April 2012 at 06:01 PM
Thanks for the recommendation, Litlove.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 April 2012 at 08:48 PM
I'd recommend (in fact I have, often) almost any book by Carter. As an alternative to the excellent suggestion of "litlove", try The Magic Toyshop and Nights at the Circus.
Posted by: Dark Puss | 02 April 2012 at 08:51 PM
Some of us have been suggesting just that Chloe!
http://www.cornflowerbooks.co.uk/2012/03/a-little-of-what-you-fancy.html
Posted by: Dark Puss | 02 April 2012 at 08:52 PM
It is very short indeed but it impressed me, perhaps because I felt it did 'speak volumes', and yes, I think I must put AC down as a book group possible.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 April 2012 at 08:54 PM
She is on the list! Thankyou.
Posted by: Cornflower | 02 April 2012 at 09:00 PM
I've read The Bloody Chamber and very much enjoyed it and I rather covet a lovely hardback copy of her Fairy Tales that I have seen around although it is a bit on the pricy side for me at the moment!
I think I read Nights at the Circus when it first came out but that was so long ago and I can remember so little about it that I'm not sure it counts!
Posted by: LizF | 03 April 2012 at 08:28 AM