Possession

De: A. S. Byatt

Narrado por: Virginia Leishman

Winner of England's Booker Prize and a literary sensation, Possession is an exhilarating novel of wit and romance, at once an intellectual mystery and a triumphant love story.

As a pair of young scholars research the lives of two Victorian poets, they uncover their letters, journals, and poems and track their movements from London to Yorkshire - from spiritualist seances to the fairy-haunted far west of Brittany. What emerges is an extraordinary counterpoint of passion and ideas.

©1990 A.S. Byatt (P)1999 Recorded Books

Challenging, but Worth It

What made the experience of listening to Possession the most enjoyable?

Byatt weaves together two story lines, one set in Victorian England and the other in present day academia, in England. She is an academic herself and this is probably the best (and funniest) portrayal I've come across. At the same time the themes are deep and resonant. It's hard to believe that she made the two Victorian poets out of thin air, they are so clearly drawn.

What did you like best about this story?

Byatt writes beautifully, but mostly she can tell a story that works as a mystery, love story, academic send-up, and an historical.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene in the graveyard was the perfect crisis, exciting, evocative, satirical.

Who was the most memorable character of Possession and why?

Christabel LaMott, the Victorian writer and poet.

Any additional comments?

Byatt composed two sets of poetry for this novel, one for each of the Victorian poets. This is not light reading, but then on the other hand you can get a lot out of this novel even skipping over the poetry. The narrator really delivered, as well.

Excellent reader, fine tale

I enjoyed this. I think I'd be annoyed if someone build a perfect replica of a 19th century building in my neighborhood, but thoroughly enjoyed her conjuring of two fictitious 19th century poets. Go figure!

Romantic mystery about thrilling literature !!

I have a weakness for books about books. I also have a weakness for detective and thriller novels. I further admit to a weakness for romance novels. Enter Possession, a book written via letters, articles and prose which unfurls a mystery about a much studied English poet and a a heretofore unknown friendship (or romantic relationship) with an also studied English poetess, both of whom lived in the mid-1800s. The book takes place in "modern" day around the late 20th century as two Victorian scholars team up and embark upon one of the greatest Victorian literary discoveries of the century. Erudite, skillful, enthralling and edifying, Ms. Byatt displays her considerable skill in writing poetry, adopting different voices in letters and weaving together seemingly disparate family dramas in one triumphant symphony. Brava and a must read.

Take of love list and found of two English poets. poets

Excellent novel of Victorian characters. Great imagery through language and poetry. Mystery surrounds this hidden love story. Ending surprises you when threads of characters’ lives are tied together. Beautiful tale.

Genius book

This book is brilliant. Loved hearing so much of the poetry and correspondence sections read aloud.

Fabulous

This story of discovery takes you from authors in Victorian to their researchers in today's England written with rich language.

Clever story and good writing but a little cold

This is a fine book in many ways. The double plot (the story of the researchers, and the story of their subjects) is nicely managed. And the imitation of 19th century styles in prose and poetry is very well done. But even though I'm steeped in the 19th century and British literature, I still found the book a little unexciting, clever, but a bit cold. I found I enjoyed the slightly humorous 21st century more interesting than the very serious 19th century story. The narrator is fine. And throughout, there are some very nice touches in the writing.

Slow start worth finishing

Stick with this very circular tale because once the dance is finished it is a delightful romp worth hearing until its conclusion

Love-Hate

I have mixed feelings about this book. At times, I was intrigued, and at other times, I just wanted it to be over. The overall story is original, mysterious, and romantic. The author’s vocabulary is vast, but the story can be very wordy and flowery. There was lots of poetry, which dragged on, but loved when the story was being told.

Excellent narrator! Brought the poetry to life.

Enjoyed this audio book. I enjoyed reading the book and was pleasantly surprised with how much the narrator brought the book alive. I really thought this wouldn't make a good audio book, how wrong I was.