#179 ~ Possession

Cover of Possession

Possession: A Romance by A. S. Byatt

I tried to read this novel with Medieval Bookworm. It sounded so fun, but I’m just not that into this book. The story itself was interesting.  Roland Mitchell, an American studying Randolph Henry Ash, comes upon previously unknown letters written by Ash to a minor female poet, Christabel LaMotte.  In order to persue what he’s found, he had to team up with Maud Bailey, an English academic who specializes in Christabel LaMotte. There is sexual tension everywhere, but I couldn’t make it through all of the poetry and pedantic discussion of poetry and writing.

I can see why people might love this novel.  Meghan really is.  This is a novel that requires complete concentration and I don’t have that available right now.  I think it would make for an interesting book for a college course. Although I want to know how the story ends, I don’t care enough to wade through the rest of the book – and that it is a longer book makes that task seem hurculean. I might just hold off for the movie on this one.

******

To buy this book, click here.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Comments

13 Responses to “#179 ~ Possession”

  1. heidenkind
    1

    Yeah… that is pretty much how I felt about it. I wouldn’t call the poetry stuff pedantic, necessarily; but there is too much of it to keep the narrative moving at a brisk pace. I might try to read this book again someday, though. It was really well-written, I just couldn’t get through it.
    heidenkind´s last blog .. My ComLuv Profile

    Reply to this comment.
  2. Meghan
    2

    It definitely requires concentration. I had trouble reading it in little bits like I was trying to do; it’s a book you need to settle into, especially with regard to the poetry.
    Meghan´s last blog .. My ComLuv Profile

    Reply to this comment.
  3. Alyce
    3

    I guess this is one I’ll have to save for when my kids are at school. It’s on my list to read, but I definitely don’t have that kind of focus while the kids are home for the summer. (I’m not sure if I’ll have that focus later either, but at least I’ll be able to give it a better shot.)
    Alyce´s last blog .. My ComLuv Profile

    Reply to this comment.
  4. Kathy
    4

    Sorry this didn’t work for you!
    Kathy´s last blog .. My ComLuv Profile

    Reply to this comment.
  5. bookworm
    5

    thanks for the great review, I wonder if this one would hold my attention for long.

    Reply to this comment.
  6. Sandy
    6

    Based on your description, I think I would be in the same boat with you. Sometimes, the movie is just easier.
    Sandy´s last blog .. My ComLuv Profile

    Reply to this comment.
  7. Veens
    7

    Sorry to hear you didn’t like it :)
    I wouldn’t get to this one too!
    Veens´s last blog .. My ComLuv Profile

    Reply to this comment.
  8. softdrink
    8

    I tried listening to this one. And only made through about 10 minutes. You’re so right about having to concentrate!
    softdrink´s last blog .. My ComLuv Profile

    Reply to this comment.
  9. Sheri
    9

    Just a note to say “I miss ya’!”

    S

    Reply to this comment.
  10. Wendy
    10

    I wanted to like it, I really, really did. I finally gave up after 100 pages, and I rarely don’t make myself finish a book. LIke I heard someone else say, “I’ve already wasted my money, I don’t need to waste my time too.”

    Reply to this comment.
  11. mari
    11

    I have not read the book but have seen the movie. The movie was good. :)
    mari´s last blog .. My ComLuv Profile

    Reply to this comment.
  12. Amy Reads Good Books
    12

    I actually enjoyed the movie more than the book. A rare occurence! I tried reading this while on jury duty. I agree. . . it took far more concentration than I really wanted to give it.
    Amy Reads Good Books´s last blog .. My ComLuv Profile

    Reply to this comment.
  13. Nymeth
    13

    I love this book, but it definitely does require concentration. That’s actually why I’ve been putting off reading Byatt’s new one even though I’ve had it for a month and am dying to read it. If I pick the wrong moment, the reading experience just won’t be the same.
    Nymeth´s last blog .. My ComLuv Profile

    Reply to this comment.

Got something to say?

CommentLuv Enabled

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

  • Contact Literate Housewife

    Please feel free to contact Literate Housewife by sending an email to jennifer at literatehousewife (dot) com. I would love to hear from you!
  • Book Blogger Con

    Have you heard about the 1st Annual Book Blogger Convention that will be held in NYC during the BEA? You should check it out. I know it will be a fantastic experience. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend due to family obligations, but I'll be trolling blogs for up to the minute news. Book Blogger Convention
  • WE Magazine’s A Woman Blogger to Watch

  • Upcoming Reviews…

  • Literate Challenges

    What's in a Name? 3

    Random Reading Challenge

  • In My Mailbox…

  • Archives