Albert Angelo
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Albert Angelo represents the second novel authored by the avant-garde writer B. S. Johnson (1933–1973). Initially released in 1964 by Constable and later reprinted in 1987 through New Directions, this work is notable for its groundbreaking narrative methods, including pages deliberately perforated with holes. The novel employs an innovative blend of perspectives, alternating between first-person narrative and third-person narration, frequently incorporating stream-of-consciousness internal monologues. Consistent with much of Johnson's oeuvre, the story bears autobiographical elements.
Plot
The storyline centers on Albert Angelo, who works as a substitute teacher while harboring ambitions to become a professional architect, though he struggles to make a living in that field. Living in a flat located in Angel, London, Albert takes on teaching positions at progressively more challenging schools, mirroring his personal difficulties. Interspersed throughout the narrative are samples of students' essays, which provide amusing and candid insights into their perceptions of Albert.
Albert often contemplates his former girlfriend Jenny, to whom he remains emotionally connected despite feelings of betrayal. A significant emotional thread is his friendship with Terry, who has undergone a similar experience of romantic disappointment. The narrative skillfully balances comedic elements with weightier themes and candidly explores issues related to sexuality. Johnson’s storytelling technique offers diverse viewpoints on the protagonist’s personality.
Style
Exemplifying Johnson’s experimental literary style, this novel diverges somewhat from his other works. Albert Angelo is divided into sections that conclude with a coda, borrowing terminology from music composition. A unique characteristic involves pages containing holes cut through them, enabling readers to glimpse forthcoming content. The book ends with the author's explicit commentary on his creative intentions, including the provocative statement that Telling stories is telling lies.
References in other works
In the 1994 novel Drift by Brian Castro, there is an intertextual engagement with B.S. Johnson’s invitation to complete The Matrix Trilogy, starting with See the Old Lady Decently (1975). Within this narrative, the character B.S. (Byron Shelly) Johnson has his copy of Albert Angelo seized by Australian Customs due to the "holes cut in the pages" for inspection purposes.