sci_mom's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading the stories in this book, right up until the last one. The way this author used the characters to demonstrate the evolution of scientific thought in different time periods was wonderful. In describing females in science, she captured the essence of the struggle of women to be taken seriously in a male-dominated field at that time. Overall, I was very pleased. Unfortunately, I did not care for the final story. Maybe I missed the point, or the symbolism, or something, but I simply did not understand how it tied in at all. It was the least compelling narrative, by far, and that made the fact that it ended there even more upsetting. I considered giving it 3 stars for that reason, but that would be doing a disservice to the rest of the book.
knitter22's review against another edition
5.0
I can't think of any author that can write about science and the people involved with science in such a compelling way as Andrea Barrett, and Archangel is a stunning example of her abilities. In this group of five interconnected stories, she writes about early aviation, Darwin's theory of evolution, Einstein's theory of relativity, genetics research, and early x-ray technology. This is historical fiction, and the scientific pioneers are either named or easily recognizable, but Barrett writes so well that these real scientists never overtake the fictional characters she has created.
The interconnectedness of the stories is truly original. The young boy, Constantine Boyd, in the first story, "The Investigators", returns as a grown man and soldier in World War I in the last story, "Archangel". In "The Investigators", Constantine comes to know a neighbor named Miss Atkins who is interested in blind cave fish. Henrietta Atkins returns as a student and teacher in "The Island" where she comes to understand Darwin's theory of evolution from The Professor (Louis Agassiz, although he is not named in the story), but her understanding is quite different from what he is trying to teach. "The Ether of Science" deals with widowed science writer Phoebe Cornelius trying to reconcile what she knows and feels with the ideas of Sir Oliver Lodge. Phoebe's son, Sam, accompanies her to a lecture given by Lodge, one where she is just baffled and confused, but Sam understands what is going on very well, and writes a paper that amazes his mother. This scene has some of the best writing I have ever read about science, humans, emotion, and the reconciliation of science and spirituality. Sam later appears in "The Particles" as a geneticist aboard the Athenia, a British ship sunk by the Nazis in World War II.
I've most likely made this seem more jumbled and confused than Barrett's exceptional writing in Archangel really is, but these stories are all clear, direct, and simply beautiful. I listened to this as an audiobook, and while this was a fine way to experience the book, I will definitely be rereading this in print, so as to not miss any details and for the real pleasure of reading stories so beautifully written.
The interconnectedness of the stories is truly original. The young boy, Constantine Boyd, in the first story, "The Investigators", returns as a grown man and soldier in World War I in the last story, "Archangel". In "The Investigators", Constantine comes to know a neighbor named Miss Atkins who is interested in blind cave fish. Henrietta Atkins returns as a student and teacher in "The Island" where she comes to understand Darwin's theory of evolution from The Professor (Louis Agassiz, although he is not named in the story), but her understanding is quite different from what he is trying to teach. "The Ether of Science" deals with widowed science writer Phoebe Cornelius trying to reconcile what she knows and feels with the ideas of Sir Oliver Lodge. Phoebe's son, Sam, accompanies her to a lecture given by Lodge, one where she is just baffled and confused, but Sam understands what is going on very well, and writes a paper that amazes his mother. This scene has some of the best writing I have ever read about science, humans, emotion, and the reconciliation of science and spirituality. Sam later appears in "The Particles" as a geneticist aboard the Athenia, a British ship sunk by the Nazis in World War II.
I've most likely made this seem more jumbled and confused than Barrett's exceptional writing in Archangel really is, but these stories are all clear, direct, and simply beautiful. I listened to this as an audiobook, and while this was a fine way to experience the book, I will definitely be rereading this in print, so as to not miss any details and for the real pleasure of reading stories so beautifully written.
adammck's review against another edition
4.0
A thoughtful collection of stories that demands - and rewards - the reader's patience. Barrett returns repeatedly and poignantly to the theme of great thinkers on the wrong side of science + history - men soon to be left behind by the likes of Einstein and Darwin. Barrett drops enough science to make the layman occasionally scratch his lay-head - and I'm certain I missed a few references here and there - but it never threatens to collapse under its own weight. I don't think I've ever read short stories quite like them. This was my first brush with Barrett. I look forward to the next.
The first story is the weakest of the five, so don't be put off.
**I received this book via a Goodreads giveaway**
The first story is the weakest of the five, so don't be put off.
**I received this book via a Goodreads giveaway**
sci_mom's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading the stories in this book, right up until the last one. The way this author used the characters to demonstrate the evolution of scientific thought in different time periods was wonderful. In describing females in science, she captured the essence of the struggle of women to be taken seriously in a male-dominated field at that time. Overall, I was very pleased. Unfortunately, I did not care for the final story. Maybe I missed the point, or the symbolism, or something, but I simply did not understand how it tied in at all. It was the least compelling narrative, by far, and that made the fact that it ended there even more upsetting. I considered giving it 3 stars for that reason, but that would be doing a disservice to the rest of the book.
mimii's review against another edition
2.0
Just couldn’t enjoy this book. Some of the writing was well done, and some of the characters had the potential, but the stories just didn’t engage me.
sar0503's review against another edition
3.0
It was an intelligent read and I enjoyed it, however, it is not for everyone to pick up and read.
cchu1215's review against another edition
4.0
I was excited to win this giveaway - I have been an enthusiastic reader of Ms. Barrett's work since Ship Fever. This collection of stories did not disappoint. I admire the characters that she creates with their intellectual curiosity, passion for science, and keen observations, as well as the vivid historical background surrounding the characters.
diffendale's review
3.0
Something like 3.5 stars. Well-woven, but (realistically) tedious at times. Good on the hopes and disappointments of friendship. Most enjoyed the central story, "The Island".
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