Angel Island

This is an intriguing feminist work from the early part of last century, while a little dated, is still very enjoyable. The first part is a bit slow--five men are shipwrecked on a tropical island, and they play talking heads about their situation and their view of women. Finally the plot starts taking shape when they discover that they are being watched by some very unusual creatures. They debate what to do, and make their move about halfway through the book in what has to be one of the more shocking events that I've read in a book in quite a while. From there, the plot gets even more pointed, and it ends on quite a redeeming note. I'm sorry I I can't go into more detail, but you really should read it yourself. Beware the edition that Jill gave me, however; there's an introduction by Ursula LeGuin that gives away some plot bits. I was reading it before the book, but got an intimation that she was talking much more about the plot than I cared to know before reading the book.

This edition is a reprint of an exquisite 1914 feminist fantasy adventure novel, which went out of print without fanfare and then was "rediscovered." It is an allegory about women's freedom and the restraint imposed by heterosexual pair-bonding. A group of five men are shipwrecked on an uncharted island where they meet five shy but dazzling winged women. While they hammer and build and pass the time Robinson-Crusoe style, the women silently flutter in and out of their days, teasing them with unattainable femininity. The men devise plans to capture and woo the angel-like women, using "bait" such as mirrors and scarves. Finally they succeed, and in a terrible scene, cut the wings from each woman, forcing them to walk from henceforward.Lots of dialogue about male-female relationships as the pairing off ensues. The men hold a variety of viewpoints about the proper way to treat women. A final surprise arrives with the new generation. Wings!!

Angel Island is the story of the beginning of a new race. Yet, at the same it, it is the story of men and women as they have always been. Their differences, their struggles, and their tumultuous attraction to each other is beautifully documented in this splendid tale.Five men stranded on a desert island, realizing they will not be rescued, begin to divest themselves of their social inhibitions and speak honestly about their relationships with women. When they have almost convinced themselves they can survive without them, they start hearing strange noises. The noises turn to visions, and soon the visions turn to reality as five ethereal women with wondrous, colorful wings fly above them in intricate configurations. Day after day the women come, and their flying patterns become more breathtaking with each return. The men are enchanted by them. Their bird-like language is as mysterious and fascinating as their glorious beauty. Fascination turns to lust and together the men hatch a plan to beguile, lure, and finally possess these angel-like creatures.What follows is a most unsettling scene, as the men trap, bind, and clip off the women's wings. But it is the integration of the women into the men's society that is the most interesting part of this book. The manner in which the women speak about the men and what they have to say about their race is very telling of the eternal struggle between men and women. This book was written in 1914 by an intelligent, observant woman, at a time when women had very little freedom. It's contents will always be relevant to women, no matter what cultural background, age group, or social status they may be a part of.