TANGERINE

There is something about Tangerine’s tantalizing book cover and its title that makes you want to buy it – and every now and then we all need an exotic escape read when you can allow yourself to drift along with the plot and story-line, no matter how light and inconsequential. If your club fancies an extra easy novel here is your +1 choice from Christine Mangan. 

 

A debut novel, Tangerine, arrived on the bookshelves with a flurry of excitement in 2018 - ‘Optioned for film by George Clooney’s Smokehouse Pictures, with Scarlett Johansson to star’. Set in Tangier in 1956, Tangerine is a psychological thriller with a dual narrative - where 'Gone Girl' meets 'The Talented Mr Ripley' under the Moroccan sun. 

 

It follows the story of two women, Alice Shipley and her old friend Lucy Mason, who arrive in Tangier shortly after Alice has settled in Morocco with her new husband. With Lucy being the last person Alice expects to see. 

 

Once inseparable room-mates at boarding school in Vermont - the two friends haven’t spoken in over a year following ‘the accident’. Lucy is trying to make things right and return to their old rhythms while Alice is still trying to adjust to life in Morocco, too afraid to venture out into the bustling medinas and oppressive heat. 

 

A familiar feeling starts to overtake Alice—she feels controlled and stifled by Lucy at every turn. 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.

 

Tangerine isn’t necessarily a memorable read for many in the Den, but as a +1 read it does provide a light dose of charm – if only because of the romantic setting and its sometimes juicy plot. Worth a read even if the film appears to be on ice. 

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- for people who love books -