The Necessary Angel

Award-winning author C.K. Stead takes us to the heart of contemporary Paris and into a world of books and witty conversation. The Necessary Angel is a story of people grappling with love and fidelity; a story about the importance of books; a commentary on living in complex modern-day Europe; and a page-turning mystery. With a surprising twist at the end, this is a sophisticated novel that shows Stead writing at the height of his powers.

'Stead is a fine writer, intelligent and assured, and The Necessary Angel's stealthy crescendo will leave the reader gasping.' – Philip Womack, The Spectator

'A fictional gem.' – David Grylls, The Sunday Times, UK

'... his prose is good, beguilingly good ... It's an entertainment, but in the best sense of the word – clever, rich and playful.' – Jane Westaway, The Spinoff

'For anyone who enjoys literature, it's a delight to find a book that does the same.' – Paul Little, North & South

'Paris suits Stead. There is a joie de vivre to the writing: the zest and juice of the short stories are sustained at novel length, making this his best novel since All Visitors Ashore.' – Stephen Stratford, New Zealand Listener