Francisco Angulo's ambitious work of historical fiction, Shooting Stars in the Summer Sky, vividly brings to life the daring adventures of intrepid aviators in 1930s Spain, while also portraying a poignant forbidden love story between two young gay men against the dramatic backdrop of the Spanish Civil War.
This sweeping epic masterfully interweaves the exhilarating exploits of fighter pilots racing across the skies with a secret romance that blossoms despite daunting odds. Through rich details and evocative writing, Angulo transports the reader to the volatile period leading up to the devastating war that tore Spain apart.
Critics have praised Angulo's adeptness in capturing the thrilling bravado of the aviators who gripped the nation's imagination while also sensitively delineating the tenderness and passion of the two protagonists defying convention. Hailed as "gripping" and "heart-wrenching," Angulo's novel has drawn comparisons to celebrated wartime classics chronicling the Lost Generation.
Like Hemingway and Dos Passos, Angulo creates an immersive experience through tightly woven prose intermingling adrenaline-fueled aerial action with quiet stolen moments between the young lovers. The result is a beautifully rendered portrait of courage and devotion in the face of adversity.
By turns exhilarating, heartbreaking and insightful, Shooting Stars in the Summer Sky announces an audacious new talent. With captivating characters and evocative historical details, Angulo's masterful storytelling shines a poignant light on human bravery and perseverance in hard times. This stunning novel offers a fresh perspective on sacrifice, honor and the enduring power of love in the midst of conflict.
