It's been years since Swenson, a professor of creative writing at a small American college, has published a novel of his own. And it's been longer since one of his students has shown the faintest glimmer of talent. Enter Angela Argo: pierced, tattooed, sullen - and a wonderful writer. Swenson can't believe his good fortune at having such a gifted student. Nurturing Angela's talent becomes his obsession, he is more than happy to find time to give her the extra-curricular, one-to-one tutorials she craves. Revitalised by Angela, Swenson's life seems perfect. However, as experience shows, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Nominated for the prestigious National Book Award, Blue Angel is one of the most acclaimed American novels of recent years. A pitch-perfect, wickedly funny satire on academia, it is a joy to read.