And the Ass Saw the Angel by Nick Cave

And the Ass Saw the Angel (Penguin Street Art) (Papers of the Peabody Museum of)

by Nick Cave

'Bible-black humour...enough visitations, portents and religious lunacy to qualify as the second-greatest story ever told' - Elle 'It is as if a Faulkner novel had been crossed with Whistle Down the Wind and then narrated by a stoned blues musician' - Daily Telegraph

Reviewed by thepunktheory on

4 of 5 stars

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Full review on my blog: www.thepunktheory.wordpress.com

I plunged head first into this book without even reading the blurb.
What I found is a unique and intense novel that won't let you go. At first I had my troubles getting acquainted with Cave's writing style and language. But as soon as that barrier was down, I developed a love-hate-relationship with the book. On the one hand I wanted to know more but on the other hand I dreaded what was on the next page.
And the Ass Saw the Angel is a weird and irritating story. You will end up hating most of the characters as Cave manages to depict the cruelty of humankind extremely well. When it comes to the main character you can't help but feel for him despite a certain repulsion that he evokes. Euchrid Eucrow is by no means an angel but he is certain that he's doing Gods bidding. This tale is so dark and twisted, I have no idea how Cave came up with it. However, it's also the kind of book I'd expected Nick Cave to write.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 21 October, 2018: Finished reading
  • 21 October, 2018: Reviewed