cover image THE ANGEL WITH ONE HUNDRED WINGS: A Tale from the Arabian Nights

THE ANGEL WITH ONE HUNDRED WINGS: A Tale from the Arabian Nights

Daniel Horch, . . St. Martin's/Dunne, $23.95 (256pp) ISBN 978-0-312-28418-3

First-time novelist Horch offers a lively rendition of this tale from the Arabian Nights, set in 9th-century Baghdad, then called the City of Peace. Abulhassan Ibn Thaher, an elderly pharmacist and alchemist, is a confidant and chess partner of the sultan Harun al-Rashid. He finds himself in an impossible position when the prince of Persia falls madly in love with the sultan's favorite mistress, Shemselnehar, and asks the old man to help them run away. All three face certain death if the plot is discovered, and this is quite likely in a city and royal court full of spies, where everyone knows everyone else's business. Much like a chess match, the plot is driven by advances and retreats, surprising strategies and much suspense. The writing is evocative and the story fast-paced; memorable and truly likable characters enrich Horch's gripping adventure story. As the novel progresses, Abulhassan realizes that he has not lived his life as wisely as he could have; he has not treated his wife and children with the love and respect they deserve. Struck by remorse, he redoubles his efforts and risks everything to aid the young lovers. Woven throughout the book are fascinating asides about alchemy and Islamic mystics. An imaginative and vivid retelling, this novel should interest both Arabian Nights fans and newcomers looking for a diverting historical suspense tale. Agent, Michele Rubin. (Dec. 1)