Comments (16)

Community comments are the opinions of contributing users. These comments do not represent the opinions of Surrey Libraries.
What did you think about this title?
1 to 16 of 16 items
Feb 05, 2024
Yasmine rec
Nov 18, 2023
? for book club
Sep 26, 2023cindybasaure rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I never thought that scholarly research could be so gripping or emotionally fraught! The book paces itself, starting slowly at first as we get to know all the characters, but if you stick with it, it will reward you tenfold. An amazing…
Jan 04, 2023kmcartcart rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Like another reader, it took me about 100 pages to get truly into this book but I was interested enough by the set up to keep going. So glad I did. Though-provoking and beautifully written. A book that defies easy classification.
Nov 07, 2019wyenotgo rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
It’s a compulsion that appears to exist without biological, evolutionary or even economic purpose: the urge toward POSSESSION. Unique to mankind, it has been the ruin of relationships, careers, societies, even empires; and may in the end…
Nov 17, 2017Morwenn rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
one of my favorite books. I have read it many times and always say, "This time I will only read the text and not the stories and poetry" or the opposite but I am always irresistibly pulled to read the whole things.
Aug 21, 2017brangwinn rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I chose to read this book because it was the 1990 Booker Prize winner. Did I enjoy it? Yes, but until I got about 150 pages into it, I found it easy to put down. But then, as a librarian, what’s wrong with a mystery that involves literary…
Feb 14, 2016JaneG rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Two time periods, two Victorian poets and two modern day academics. A big mystery and a masterful tale. Take the time to read the Victorian poetry along with an engrossing story of societal expectations, personal realities and love.…
BCD2013
May 06, 2014
Byatt not only created two sets of intriguing and emotionally involving characters in two time periods, but also created two fictional characters' bodies of poetical works.l An amazing accomplishment, a moving stoy, and an interesting…
Feb 11, 2014JCLAmandaH rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
"Possession" is a love letter to literature, by way of celebrating poetry, exploring the world of academia, and presenting meditations on the meaning of words and language itself. The story follows two couples, one a pair of Victorian…
Oct 04, 2013JCLMeganB rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is the book that made me love reading again after that M.A. in English fiasco!
May 01, 2013rab1953 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This is a complex book, with many things to comment on. In parts, it is a modern romance about contemporary (post-modern) people who don’t believe in love, but nevertheless grow into a close personal connection, with elements of…
Mar 13, 2013ms_mustard rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I just read this for my book club and thought I would tear out my hair in the first 100 pages or so. then I fell in love with it. not an easy read, but well worth it, covering academic research of minutia, feminism, myth and poetry.
Aug 01, 2012uncommonreader rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A classic. This book is set in the present day and in Victorian times. It addresses the relationship between two fictious poets, complete with poems, letters, diaries, and footnotes. Byatt chooses 1869 as the point in time of great…
Dec 11, 2009maven rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A very literary novel that requires a bit of patience (or some skimming). Well-written and the story was interesting throughout, though it got a bit heavy-handed with the crime/mystery angle near the end.
Dec 04, 2009GailRoger rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed this; it reminded me strongly of the books of Robertson Davies --- without the quirkiness or humour, although there is something rather funny about a motley group of academics racing each other in a cut-throat attempt to lay…