Plot summary, “Possession” by A.S. Byatt in 4 Minutes - Book Review
"Possession" is a novel written by A.S. Byatt. Published in 1990, the book is a blend of literary fiction, historical fiction, and romance. It intertwines two love stories set in different time periods, connected by the discovery of a cache of letters and poems belonging to two Victorian poets. The novel explores themes of love, identity, intellectual pursuit, and the complex relationships between scholars and their subjects.
The modern-day story follows Roland Michell, a postgraduate student who stumbles upon a hidden cache of letters belonging to famous Victorian poet Randolph Henry Ash while researching in the British Library. These letters suggest a previously unknown relationship between Ash and another poet, Christabel LaMotte. Roland forms an alliance with Maud Bailey, a fellow academic who specializes in LaMotte's work, and together they set out to unravel the mystery of Ash and LaMotte's relationship.
As Roland and Maud delve deeper into the past, the novel takes readers back to the 19th century, providing glimpses into the lives of Ash and LaMotte. The narrative alternates between the contemporary and historical settings, gradually revealing the passionate and secret love affair between these two poets. The novel skillfully blends historical research, literary analysis, and a compelling love story, exploring the ways in which personal and intellectual passions can intersect.
A.S. Byatt's "Possession" is celebrated for its intricate narrative structure, rich character development, and its exploration of the connections between past and present, literature and life, and the power of human connection across time. The book received critical acclaim and won the Man Booker Prize in 1990, making it one of Byatt's most well-known and respected works.
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