(The same reviewers have, correctly, noted Mangan's homage to the Ripley novels and to Daphne du Maurier's examinations of obsessive love.)įewer reviewers, however, have paid attention to the title. 'I thought of the past, of all the plans that we had made, and wondered how it was possible that they had been changed for this, for him, though of course I knew it wasn't as simple as that.' Lucy is obsessed with Alice, much like Tom was obsessed with Dickie Greenleaf in Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. How?Ĭhristine Mangan's vaunted new novel Tangerine (it's already in production by George Clooney, with Scarlett Johanssen as lead) has been called out by some reviewers for its tired 'evil-lesbian plot,' by which they mean the weird and sinister tension between protagonist Alice Shipley and her former Bennington College bestie, Lucy.Īlice has been living in Morocco with her feckless husband John McAllister when Lucy Mason arrives without notice, eager to pick up where their relationship ended (badly) and equally eager to insinuate herself into every aspect of Alice and John's life, which she considers false. Your purchase helps support NPR programming. Tangerine is an extraordinary debut, so tightly wound, so evocative of 1950s Tangier, and so cleverly plotted that it will leave you absolutely breathless.Close overlay Buy Featured Book Title Tangerine Author Christine Mangan

Then Alice's husband, John, goes missing, and Alice starts to question everything around her: her relationship with her enigmatic friend, her decision to ever come to Tangier, and her very own state of mind. But soon a familiar feeling starts to overtake Alice - she feels controlled and stifled by Lucy at every turn. Lucy, always fearless and independent, helps Alice emerge from her flat and explore the country. She has not adjusted to life in Morocco, too afraid to venture out into the bustling medinas and oppressive heat. But Lucy is standing there, trying to make things right. The last person Alice Shipley expected to see since arriving in Tangier with her new husband was Lucy Mason.Īfter the horrific accident at Bennington, the two friends - once inseparable roommates - haven't spoken in over a year. The perfect read for fans of Daphne du Maurier and Patricia Highsmith, set in 1950s Morocco, Tangerine is a gripping psychological literary thriller. Used - Fair: Worn book that has complete text pages but may have some small defect like slight tears. Used - Good: Average used worn book that has all pages or leaves present. Used - Very Good: Shows some small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or paper. Please check “condition” in product details before ordering. This is a second-hand, used copy of this book.

Tangerine book by christine mangan