The Angel of History

For a brief moment in 1940, the lives of a young Spanish militant and a reclusive academic of German and Jewish heritage are thrown together. Along with thousands of others across Europe, both men have fled their homeland in the face of fascist persecution. Yet, until the day their paths converge on a remote mountain pass between France and Spain, their experience of war has been vastly different. Based on true events of Benjamin’s life, and ranging from Paris’ Left Bank to the prison camps of southern France, “The Angel of History” explores how the history we think we know is not a series of events but rather a constellation of countless individual lives. And although every story is unique, each is founded on the same human desire – to be remembered.

Reviews of The Angel of History

"… the writing shimmers on the page with memorable images" Jay Parini, the Guardian "Arpaia's real skill lies in tempering the Spaniard's vibrancy with the German's despair… Yet this is far from being a depressing novel, and as Mahojo teasingly unfolds his story we are led towards a breathtaking revelation." Stephanie Cross, Daily Mail "… a gripping, beautifully detailed novel" Metro "… a solid piece of scholarship as well as accurate – and frightening – evocation of what it's like for individuals each with private ambitions that never included bearing witness to worldwide catastrophe, to be swept up in a historical maelstrom…" Lionel Shriver, the Telegraph"