A Time of Angels by Patricia Schonstein

A Time of Angels

Patricia Schonstein

This novel tells the story of a clairvoyant, a baker and the woman who has captured both of their hearts. Magic, stories and delicious fruit breads all form part of this tale which on the surface seems light and frivolous but has a hidden darkness. This is a clever and beautifully written story, three pages into this book I knew I was going to love it - and I did!

Extract
When Primo Verona's wife, Beatrice, left him for Pasquale Benvenuto, their close friend who ran the delicatessen on the corner of Long and Bloem Streets, Primo cast a spell on Pasquale's shoes so that ever afterwards their laces would spring undone as he walked out of his front door. It was an easy enough spell to sidestep. Pasquale, unaware that it was magic he was dealing with, merely cursed the quality of modern laces and thereafter wore shoes that did not need them.
Parallels
  • Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
  • The Vintner's Luck by Elizabeth Knox
  • Little Indiscretions by Carmen Posadas