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A review by katmackie
Possession by A.S. Byatt
3.0
Ah! I'm conflicted! Sometimes you come across a novel that is so fiercely smart and structured that you have to respect the creative intelligence that went into writing it, while still questioning your actual reading experience. Possession is beautiful, intelligent, creative, and perfectly poetic, but it took me a bit too long to realize just why I wasn't head over heals in love with it.
When I first started reading Possession, I had a feeling it was going to be a perfect fit. I love a good literary romance paired with history. And indeed, there were aspects that I loved. But one thing really held it back for me: the characters. While I felt emotions for some, I still struggled to really get into their heads. There was a coldness I just couldn't shirk while reading. Part of me thinks this just wasn't the right time to read Possession, sometimes you just need to relate to the people you're reading about. But then again, I did relate to a lot of their observations and feelings. So what happened? I'm still not completely sure. But I do know they kept me from feeling completely immersed in this impressive novel.
Despite that, I recommend it to those also interested in the themes I've mentioned. I think Byatt's writing has the potential to really hit or miss with people, as well as land right in the middle, as it did for me.
When I first started reading Possession, I had a feeling it was going to be a perfect fit. I love a good literary romance paired with history. And indeed, there were aspects that I loved. But one thing really held it back for me: the characters. While I felt emotions for some, I still struggled to really get into their heads. There was a coldness I just couldn't shirk while reading. Part of me thinks this just wasn't the right time to read Possession, sometimes you just need to relate to the people you're reading about. But then again, I did relate to a lot of their observations and feelings. So what happened? I'm still not completely sure. But I do know they kept me from feeling completely immersed in this impressive novel.
Despite that, I recommend it to those also interested in the themes I've mentioned. I think Byatt's writing has the potential to really hit or miss with people, as well as land right in the middle, as it did for me.