A charming short story by W. S. Gilbert, best known for his collaboration with Arthur Sullivan on their beloved operettas, Angela offers a delightful twist on romance. Set in Venice, the story follows an Englishman who falls in love with his enigmatic neighbor after glimpsing her reflection in the water outside their windows. This unique premise explores themes of love and perception in an enchanting and humorous way.
First published in the Christmas Number of The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News in 1887, Angela was later included in the collection Foggerty's Fairy and Other Tales (1890). This collection also features other engaging tales by Gilbert and Sullivan, showcasing their diverse literary talents.
It was a pleasant discovery to find that Sullivan, in addition to his famed musical compositions, also wrote short stories. Angela is a standout example of their wit and creativity, and its audio version, available in CSA Word's Great Classic Short Stories series, provides an enjoyable and immersive listening experience.