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4.5
The Weight of Angels
ByPublisher Description
A forthcoming book from Henry Holt scheduled to publish in Fall 2026.
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesThe Weight of Angels Reviews
4.5
“The Weight of Angels is an astounding piece of modern literature that begs the question, What would Oscar Wilde’s life have been like had he avoided his imprisonment? What follows is a beautiful glimpse into the life that might have been of the famous author and playwright, and a beautiful tale that celebrates life and its many fluctuations.
To me, this book is a modern masterpiece. The verbal sparring between Oscar Wilde and other literary giants at the time is worth the read alone. On top of that, it’s an inspiring story full of happiness, sadness, love, regret, forgiveness, and atonement. It showcases the changing of an era over the course of a lifetime, and how hearts can be changed along with it. This will for sure be counted among my top reads of the year.
My thanks to the publisher and the author for sending me an Advance Reader Copy of this book. It was provided to me through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Everything stated in my review is my own opinion written in my own words.”
Change and growLikeableMemorableStrong relationshipsUnforgettable protagonistAddictivePredictable but satisfyingSteady pacingWell-structuredBeautifulHistoricalIdyllicOpulentPicturesqueVivid descriptionsBeautifully-writtenDescriptiveFlowery/lushFunnyWittyAbuseBigotryChild abuseChild lossDeathExplicit sexual contentGriefHomophobiaMisogynySelf-harmSubstance abuseViolenceWar violence
“The weight of angels proved to be a fascinating and touching book.
I have to admit that, having read it as an ebook, I wasn’t quite aware while starting it that it is quite a long book of almost 600 pages — but I am happy for it as it allowed me to enjoy the writing and the story that much longer.
The premise of the book fascinated me and was the main reason for me to pick up the book. Back when I was still in high school we covered some of Oscar Wilde’s work and I remember thoroughly enjoying working through the plays at the time. So a historical fiction about Oscar Wilde’s life had he not been incarcerated for sodomy and gross indecency, and not died an early death did sound intriguing.
At times, I wasn’t sure where we were heading in the story or how things would turn out. But now, having finished it, I can say that John Boyne did deliver. Stick with it and enjoy the story.
Loved the writing style. Felt convinced by the characters and could feel some of the moral ambiguities and struggles over time.
I feel inspired to go back and read more of Oscar Wilde’s works. And although this was a fiction, I do feel like I’ve come out of this book with a new perspective and interest on his works. Furthermore, I am also most definitively looking forward to exploring more of John Boyne’s books after having read this novel.
Definitively recommended.
I want to thank Random House UK, Netgalley and John Boyne for providing me with an advanced reader copy.”
“"Please, call me Oscar. All my enemies do.”
Before picking up The Weight of Angels, I knew next to nothing about Oscar Wilde’s personal life. After finishing it, I feel like an expert, despite the fact that this book is a reimagining of history. John Boyne explores a fascinating premise: What if Wilde had never spent those two torturous years in prison for his sexuality and didn't pass away as early as he did?
Boyne is a masterclass in writing. This 600-page clunker is essentially one long, brilliant conversation between Wilde and a rotating cast of historical icons. While the dialogue is brilliant, the epistolary sections were the true highlight for me. These letters provided an intimate, raw glimpse into Wilde’s mind that even the grandest dinner party conversations couldn't capture. I found myself in the room with figures I previously only knew from history books, including:
Katherine Hepburn
Bram & Florence Stoker (is it Dracula or Dribula?)
W.B. Yeats (Willie)
Winston Churchill
Rudyard Kipling
Sir Conan Doyle
The book serves as a rich historical tapestry viewed through Wilde’s eyes, spanning from the late 1890s to the mid-1950s. You witness the world change through two World Wars and the birth of new technologies, all while feeling like a literal fly on the wall during champagne soaked discussions of art and global affairs.
“We will drink champagne together, publicly, and discuss global affairs with the intelligence and wit for which we are both celebrated. Then we will make cruel comments about casual acquaintances, focusing on their hairstyles, which we secretly admire, and their infidelities, which we secretly envy.”
Yet, beneath the humor lies a profound sadness. The book highlights the enduring hatred directed toward the gay community, making Wilde’s search for reciprocal love feel both beautiful and tragic.
“A reciprocal love between men who both desired and treasured each other. Even the idea made him feel a wealth of sorrow, for such contentment, he was certain, would surely be impossible to find.”
If I’m being honest, there were times I felt the book might be, too smart for me. At 600 pages, I occasionally found myself confused or drifting, but I recognize that as a personal hurdle rather than a flaw in Boyne’s writing.
Regardless of the length, the book is a treasure trove of quotable gems.
“Happiness, like grammar, are overrated.”
"The modern world is riddled with hypocrisy, and it’s not just the men who suffer.”
"One must never remain too long in the city of one’s birth; it’s so much more romantic to live in exile.”
If Oscar Wilde is your favorite historical figure, this book will be a dream read. It is a stunning tribute to, what could have been, and I suspect Wilde himself would have absolutely loved it.”
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