In the grim trenches of World War I, five forgotten soldiers receive an unusual order: “Stay behind. Find the man. Help him.” These words, spoken by their general, leave them stranded in No Man’s Land, facing an uncertain fate. This is the chilling premise of Daniel Kraus‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Angel Down a tale that masterfully blends historical fiction with elements of fantasy and horror.
The novel, published in, has captivated readers with its unique structure and haunting narrative. Kraus, a resident of Evanston, is no stranger to literary success. His previous works include the bestselling Whalefall and the novelization of the Oscar-winning film The Shape of Water co-authored with director Guillermo del Toro. However, the Pulitzer Prize marks a significant milestone in his career.
An Unusual Encounter in No Man’s Land
The story revolves around five WWI doughboys—Private Cyril Bagger and his compatriots—who are left behind as the First Army advances. Their orders seem straightforward, but the reality is far more complex. Mysterious shrieks echo through No Man’s Land, drawing the soldiers into a supernatural encounter. What they discover is not a man in need of help, but an angel shot down from the heavens.
The angel’s presence adds a layer of intrigue and horror to the narrative. Kraus skillfully navigates the darker side of fantasy, creating a world where the boundaries between the natural and the supernatural are blurred. The novel’s premise is both difficult and preposterous yet Kraus’ masterful storytelling makes it believable and engrossing.
The Creative Process Behind Angel Down
Kraus’ creative process is as unique as his storytelling. He collects ideas in notebooks, sometimes for days or even decades, before turning them into a coherent narrative. The magic of writing, he explains, happens when two ideas clash, releasing a spark that ignites the story. His imagination is constantly active, catching pieces of daily life and weaving them into his work.
“I’m still trying to figure out how all this happened,” Kraus told Matt Brady reflecting on the unexpected success of Angel Down. The novel’s structure is one of its most striking features—a single 285-page sentence held together by commas and paragraphs beginning with “and.” This unconventional approach mirrors the cyclical nature of warfare, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.
The Language and Imagery of Angel Down
Kraus’ use of language in Angel Down is both vivid and evocative. He employs a rich vocabulary, often using words that are unfamiliar yet perfectly suited to the context. The novel’s descriptions are brutal yet poetic, reflecting the harsh realities of trench warfare and the supernatural elements of the story.
For example, Kraus describes a voice as “so whispery Bagger wonders if a sandbag is draining” and a blast from the west as “a peach aurora like dawn’s youth soaking into the age-old dark.” These vivid images immerse the reader in the world of the novel, making the supernatural elements feel tangible and real.
The Angel’s True Nature
As the story unfolds, the angel reveals itself to be an unprincipled shapeshifter with a slippery agenda. Its true nature remains ambiguous, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the narrative. The angel’s presence challenges the soldiers’ beliefs and forces them to confront their own mortality and the horrors of war.
Kraus’ Angel Down is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. The novel’s unique structure, vivid language, and supernatural elements combine to create a haunting and unforgettable tale. It is a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
To meet the author and learn more about Angel Down, stop by Roscoe Books at 2142 W. Roscoe St, Chicago, at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 26. The novel is available for purchase at Atria Books/Simon & Schuster for $28.99 and spans 304 pages.
