Later in the story, when two women find themselves in Tangier, one becomes overly cautious about her surroundings, while another grows more confident and falls in love with the chaotic life that Tangier represents. The author just prolongs the suspense by not revealing everything there is to know. In the book’s first half, we also hear the references to a mysterious “accident” which happened sometime in the past and which implicated both girls. It soon becomes clear in the story that Alice and Lucy share a very complex friendship bond, and the reader can guess how their past shapes their present in Tangier.Ĭleverly, Mangan withholds from her readers much of the information from the start, making us question the true personalities of Alice and Lucy, as well as the nature of their relationship. Alice was instantly attracted to Lucy’s independence, while Lucy admired Alice for her openness to the outside world and for her sense of class, something which can be gained through wealthy upbringing. Alice and Lucy were roommates when they studied at college, and grew close because of their similar familial situations – they are both orphans. Even though most of the present day action is happening in hot and exotic Tangier, the two women regress to their past and reminisce about their first meeting at Bennington College, Vermont. The book is written from the perspectives of two characters – Alice and Lucy, and it is interesting to follow their thoughts and reactions to the same events occurring since both are unreliable narrators who try to make sense of themselves, each other and the new country. Those who like books that delve into characters’ thoughts and psychology behind their actions will find a lot to love in Tangerine. Mangan uses simple language and manages to weave a thriller which is slow-burning and deeply psychological, while also vividly evoking the colours of Morocco. The downside is that Mangan’s book gets much too close in its plot and characters to Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Talented Mr Ripley, but it is still an intriguing and enjoyable read. When John disappears, Alice and Lucy have to question both their relationship and their lucidity. Unexpectedly, Lucy also arrives to Tangier to rekindle her friendship with Alice after a year of separation.

Alice, who shared friendship with Lucy in the past, is now married and lives with her husband John in Tangier, Morocco.

The story is about two women – Alice and Lucy, who take turns in the story to share their thoughts on past and present events. Tangerine is a debut novel which is now both gaining visibility and provoking some strong reactions – there are apparently as many people who love this book as there are those who hate it.

Tangerine mangan