Possession Audiobook By A.S. Byatt cover art

Possession

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Possession

By: A.S. Byatt
Narrated by: Virginia Leishman
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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 sénces to the fairy-haunted far west of Brittany. What emerges is an extraordinary counterpoint of passion and ideas.

Performed by Virginia Leishman©1990 A.S. Byatt; (P)1999 Recorded Books Fiction Genre Fiction Gothic Horror Literary Fiction Metaphysical & Visionary Women's Fiction Scary England Romance Heartfelt

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Interwoven Storylines • Literary Mystery • Beautiful Narration • Engaging Romance • Poetic Language • Masterful Reading

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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.

Challenging, but Worth It

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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!

Excellent reader, fine tale

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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.

Romantic mystery about thrilling literature !!

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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.

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

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

Genius book

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I loved this narrator, and the book. I will be reading this many times in my life - there is just so much there! Despite going slowly and paying attention, I’m sure I missed stuff. The poetry and correspondence are especially beautiful, and if you’re on the fence about reading this: DO IT. 😊

This book is incredible!

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this audio book is a well written and moving story of entertwining lives, passion and so often phrases that I wish I could have written down to remember. made me want to buy the book and read it myself

Well written, wonderfully descriptive and moving.

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I highly recommend this book. It is genuinely enjoyable to read. It easily has become one of my favorite books I have every read. It is a heart wrenchingly beautiful tale. I have so much respect for the author for creating fictitious poets full of fictitious poetry and stories, whilst combining it with real history and poets, what she has created is a very impressive. It is easy to for anyone to understand with basic knowledge of Romantic poetry, and exciting to uncover the mysteries as you read, it will keep you on the edge of your seat.I encourage everyone to read this book.

Very impressive, highly recommend

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Struggled to finish the book. very boring. I was expecting something similar to Outlander.

Was expecting Outlander-esqe. This is not so.

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I loved how the story wove back and forth in time! I loved how the poetry was beautiful, never too much nor too short. A satisfying read, especially for a reader of poetry and lover of intellect., and a ripping good yarn to boot!

Mesmerizing!

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