The Angel of Galilea (Vintage International)

This barrio angel teaches us how to see behind the appearance of things and how to embrace reality with all the senses. --Isabel Allende. Laura Restrepo breathes life into a singular amalgam of journalistic investigation and literary creation. Her fascination with popular culture and the play of her impeccable humor of that biting but at the same time tender irony . . . infuses them with unmistakable reading pleasures.  --Gabriel García Márquez. Winner of Mexicos Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Prize and Frances Prix France Culture The Angel of Galilea introduces a refreshing new voice in Latin American literature to the English speaking audience.. Mona is a jaded reporter for a Colombian tabloid sent on assignment to investigate an angel sighting in one of Bogotás most devastated barrios where she encounters a community torn apart by a passionate conflict over a beautiful man who walks the fine line between sanity and sainthood. For the people of Galilea this mysterious and sensual angel without a name represents their hope amidst desperate circumstances; for Mona he awakens her desire to love and gives her a reason to believe. When the barrios priest leads a revolt against the fallen angel Mona risks everything to protect him from the gang that threatens to destroy him.. Restrepo is a writer to treasure.  --Alastair Reid. Sharply resonant.  --The New York Times Book Review. Surprising wonderful and for me deeply moving. --Alvaro Mutis