Tangerine
Author: Christine Mangan
Published by: Little Brown Book Group
Pages: 388
Format: Paperback
My Rating ★★★★★
The last person Alice Shipley expected to see when she arrived in Tangier with her new husband was Lucy Mason. After the horrific accident at Bennington, the two friends – once inseparable roommates – haven’t spoken in over a year. But Lucy is stranding there, trying to make things right.
Perhaps Alice should be happy. She has not adjusted to life in Morocco, too afraid to venture out into the bustling medinas and oppressive heat. Lucy, always fearless and independent, helps Alice emerge from her flat and explore the country.
But soon a familiar feeling starts to overtake Alice – she feels controlled and stifled by Lucy at every turn. Then Alice’s husband, John, goes missing and Alice starts to question everything around her: her relationship with her enigmatic friend, her decision to come to Tangier and her very own state of mind.
My thoughts:
Tangerine is a tense psychological thriller set in Tangier; exploring the uneasy friendship between Alice and Lucy.
The book takes place mainly in Tangier, during a political uprising in the 1950’s.
One year after attending university together, the women meet in the exotic desert setting of Tangier, Morocco. The story is quiet, beautifully written and deeply atmospheric with a particularly detailed sense of place, people, history and geography, which makes for a gripping read. Tangerine is a bitter story of murky relationships, and a fascinating portrayal of the complex connection between sociopath and victim.
Tangerinereally is my idea of a wonderful escapist novel, and this deliciously warped piece of historical fiction is a character analysis of two women that meet at a East Coastuniversity as roommates. Lucy and Alice each depict two very distinctive and different personalities. One is meek, timid, and reserved. The other is brazen, steely and highly opportunistic.
The tension was fantastic throughout and I especially loved Mangan’s writing style. On the front cover, the book is described as ‘The Girl on the Trainmeets The Talented Mr Ripley’ and I would definitely agree with these comparisons. If you’re a fan of books like these or Strangers on a Train, you absolutely must add Tangerine to your reading list.
It reads like film noir, and I could instantly picture this as a glamorous black and white Hitchock movie from the 1950’s, the menacing plot set perfectly amidst the sweltering and sweat-ridden heat of Tangier in Morocco.
Christine Mangan has created a compelling and twisted novel, full of intrigue, with chilling undercurrents of friendship and relationships moving into toxic territory. The writing drew me in and held my attention for the duration of the book with ease. I just loved it and thoroughly devoured this book in one sitting!
Overall reaction: