Angel in Babylon

Helen Stec was a writer, editor, and publisher in Regina.

Angel in Babylon may be historically correct and will appeal to a certain group of readers. Sixteen-year-old Serena Whitcombe runs away from a stifling and old-fashioned father to live with an aunt and uncle in London. Serena wants to be an actress at a time when Victorian England considers stage people as a low form of life.

Serena goes through the usual trials and tribulations on her way to the top. Her experiences include an encounter with a corrupt nobleman and an unrewarding stint with a provincial theater company. Of course, in the end, Serena conquers and emerges victorious in her career and in her personal life.

The formula for a successful historical novel is present, but the facts haven’t been fleshed out. The writing is forced and the story, therefore, not believable. Poor character development and poorly structured conversations give the book a hollow tone. Some characters are so obviously contrived that they lose their credibility (for example, Mr. Ptolemy, owner of the Elysian Fields in London).

Knowledge of theater terms, techniques, and functions is obvious; the formula and the basic structure are present; but the author would have done well to fill in the missing pieces.