A review by smbla
The Biographer's Tale by A.S. Byatt

3.0

Complicated, interesting, confusing vintage Byatt. The search for Destry Scholes Destry the biographer of Edward Boles-a gentleman,scientist, adventurer, author, and politician is a fascinating start. How much does the biographer add/correct/diminish in the representation of the subject? To be able to take on such a complex individual as Edward Boles equates the biographer with the same knowledge and interests as his subject-so he must be even more of an interesting character. Byatt always layers her work and in this case the layers diminish the story. Lineas, Galton, Ibsen and their supposed fantasies detract from what was a witty narrative.