Angels: A Novel by Denis Johnson is a groundbreaking work published in April 2002 by Harper Perennial. This critically acclaimed first novel explores the lives of Jamie Mays, a runaway wife traveling with two children, and Bill Houston, an ex-Navy man who has experienced life as an ex-husband and ex-con. Together, they embark on a harrowing journey across America via Greyhound buses and cheap hotels.

Driven by their restless spirits, the pair traverse the country’s strange and often dangerous fringes, encountering a cast of vivid characters that defy easy categorization. Johnson masterfully weaves a tale of wit, darkness, and profound metaphysical exploration, setting off literary fireworks on this highway odyssey. The 224-page journey culminates in a stunning climax that challenges the reader to confront the depths of human nature.

Alice Hoffman praised Angels, noting its “dazzling and savage” quality, as well as its ability to create characters “who can’t be ignored.” This novel stands as both a thrilling adventure and a profound meditation on the human condition in contemporary America.