This book is a cryptic crossword in the best way possible. I felt like I needed to be smarter to read it, as the feeling that I was missing some innuendo or an inside joke pervaded me at times, but it was part of the fun (for me at least). Davies is known for his wit, and he does not disappoint, as the references I did catch onto were hilarious and a treat to find. It makes me excited to re-read his books as every time I’ll pick up on more and more (I hope).

The Rebel Angels takes place in the college of Spook (Trinity College, I’m told), and follows the lives of those caught in the orbit of Maria Magdalena Theotoky, a graduate student. Alternating in perspective between Maria herself, and “Prof the Rev” Darcourt, a professor priest at the college, we get glimpses of a memorable cast of characters who all, one way or another, seem captivated by Maria. And along with that, three characters, including Darcourt, are assigned as executors to the extensive and eccentric collection of Francis Cornish, who dies at the start of the book. This is woven into the story as each executor wants first hands on priceless manuscripts that Cornish may have, and from here we get academic rivalries and interpersonal conflicts. 

From that description, it may be hard to see what was so great about this novel. I know I’m certainly not doing it justice, but that is because so much of the enjoyment is in the banter of the characters, their interactions with each other, and their internal dialogue with themselves. I listened to the audiobook, and was literally laughing out loud at his jokes. As a playwright, Davies writes so theatrically it translated perfectly to audio. And it also has one of the best marriage proposals I’ve read, which was a treat as I did not expect it to end on such a note. 

Reading this book was humbling (what’s he talking about?!) but also so fun. The characters run a whole gambit of creepy to uprising, and I think if I had an academic background it would be even better. Any CanLit fan should definitely read this book!