Reviews

Ragnarok by A.S. Byatt

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Never thought I would DNF a book by A S Byatt, but this was it. A literal retelling of Norse myth, with a rather self-indulgent frame story about a young girl in the WWII English countryside (that is obviously autobiographical), it gives little room for interpretation. The account is so intensely personal, I felt there was no room for the reader. We are mere spectators of a distant and largely internal experience. As well as this, Byatt indulges her passion for lists, showing off her vast knowledge of fauna and flora throughout, but it seems like an exhibitionist stunt that becomes tedious to watch. I just couldn't do it.

imoran's review against another edition

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adventurous informative reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

davechua's review

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4.0

A marvelous retelling of Asgard legend. The chapter on Baldur's death is particularly affecting and moving.

darkskybooks's review against another edition

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4.0

An intriguing retelling of Norse myths through the eyes of a child narrator in the Second World War. Ragnarok is a classic myth which has picked up many elements of modern Christianity over the years and Byatt has done well to strip away the more egregious ones. The Norse myths are by their very nature strange, beautiful, alluring and brutal. Having this condensed retelling of the key ones is fantastic. The gods of Åsgard are not forgotten and the familiar names are given life in the stories told here.