The Gate of Angels - by Penelope Fitzgerald (Paperback)

About the Book

At Cambridge University in 1912, a physics student crashes into a beautiful young nurse on his bicycle. When they awake in the same bed they are left to ponder whether this was simply a random accident or perhaps something greater. Featuring an introduction by Philip Hensher.

Book Synopsis

Short-listed for the Booker Prize.

"A singular accomplishment." -- Boston Globe

"Powerfully bewitching." -- Los Angeles Times

In 1912, rational Fred Fairly, one of Cambridge's best and brightest, crashes his bike and wakes up in bed with a stranger -- fellow casualty Daisy Saunders, a charming, pretty, generous working-class nurse. So begins a series of complications -- not only of the heart but also of the head -- as Fred and Daisy take up each other's education and turn each other's philosophies upside down.

This new edition features an introduction by Philip Hensher, author of Scenes from Early Life, along with new cover art.

From the Back Cover

A singular accomplishment. Boston Globe

In 1912, rational Fred Fairly, one of Cambridge s best and brightest, crashes his bike and wakes up in bed with a stranger fellow casualty Daisy Saunders, a charming, pretty, generous working-class nurse. So begins a series of complications not only of the heart but also of the head as Fred and Daisy take up each other s education and turn each other s philosophies upside down.

A delight! ... Gilbert could have written this and Sullivan set it to music. Daily Mail

PENELOPE FITZGERALD (1916 2000) was one of the most elegant and distinctive voices in British fiction. She won the National Book Critics Circle Award in fiction for The Blue Flower, the Booker Prize for Offshore, and three of her novels The Bookshop, The Gate of Angels, and The Beginning of Spring were short-listed for the Booker Prize."

Review Quotes

"A singular accomplishment." Boston Globe

"Powerfully bewitching" The Los Angeles Times

"Funny, touching, wise." The Washington Post --

About the Author

PENELOPE FITZGERALD (1916-2000) was one of the most elegant and distinctive voices in British fiction. She won the National Book Critics Circle Award in fiction for The Blue Flower, the Booker Prize for Offshore, and three of her novels -- The Bookshop, The Gate of Angels, and The Beginning of Spring -- were short-listed for the Booker Prize.