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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
I read and loved this in my early 20s. (The movie adaptation is good, too.) I tried "Possession" by Byatt after this and didn't like it as well, though maybe I should give it another try.
Every single character in the first novella is writing a book. The novella quotes extensively from each which is a little annoying and, of course, each book is the character's way of trying to tell another character the truth he or she does not see. A little heavy handed but it all comes together in a neat little scandal at the end. I couldn't read the second novella. I barely made it through the first as her prose is a little too lush and descriptive for me.
The movie--"Angels & Insects" was very true to first novella. Both stories were interesting, but not as captivating as other books I've read this past year. Within her stories, Byatt integrates poetry and creative writing of the 1800s. Individuals who enjoy reading period pieces, will enjoy this book.
I learned a new word from this book: gynandrous. I preferred the first novella to the second and overall, prefer Byatt's later work to this endeavor.
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is two novellas that would appeal to Victorianists.
The first is about a traveler and insect collector (William) who leaves behind his Amazonian studies after s shipwreck to rest snd recuperate at a big UK house in England. He falls in love with a mysterious woman (Eugenia) marry her and finds out her dark secrets. There is some turgid philosophy: Darwinism vs Theology that William and his father-in-law engage in. There are a few magical moments: the cloud of hutterflies, the infestation of moths, the glass behive and the final scene on the boat. Perfect for someone who knows the 19th c. Thick going for probably everyone else.
The second novella is even more specialized. It involves mediums and the fiancé of Arthur Hallem (memorialized in Tennyson's "In Memoriam") Lots of fun references to 19th c poem... but only gun if you know the period well.
The first is about a traveler and insect collector (William) who leaves behind his Amazonian studies after s shipwreck to rest snd recuperate at a big UK house in England. He falls in love with a mysterious woman (Eugenia) marry her and finds out her dark secrets. There is some turgid philosophy: Darwinism vs Theology that William and his father-in-law engage in. There are a few magical moments: the cloud of hutterflies, the infestation of moths, the glass behive and the final scene on the boat. Perfect for someone who knows the 19th c. Thick going for probably everyone else.
The second novella is even more specialized. It involves mediums and the fiancé of Arthur Hallem (memorialized in Tennyson's "In Memoriam") Lots of fun references to 19th c poem... but only gun if you know the period well.
перша частина – «морфо євгенія» – тягне навіть на четвірку, є в ній шось дивовижно красиве й водночас цинічне, шо іноді можна знайти в маргарет атвуд, наприклад. тільки повість водночас рефлексивно-вікторіанська, й думається більше про фаулза, але це ненав'язливі такі, хороші думки.
із другою в мене не склалося, може, там просто забагато тенісона й сведенборга; хоча сама задумка альтернативної історії – от майже як повість про емілі дікінсон і волта вітмена в «стімпанку» ді філіппо – дуже симпатична.
(о так, я примудрилася покликатися на трьох інших авторів у трьох реченнях. по-моєму, це хронічне).
із другою в мене не склалося, може, там просто забагато тенісона й сведенборга; хоча сама задумка альтернативної історії – от майже як повість про емілі дікінсон і волта вітмена в «стімпанку» ді філіппо – дуже симпатична.
(о так, я примудрилася покликатися на трьох інших авторів у трьох реченнях. по-моєму, це хронічне).
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love spending time in A.S. Byatt's brain. Her books are learnéd in the extreme and yet still so sympathetic, human, and wry. The audiobook of these two novellas (narrated by the incomparable Wanda McCaddon) was a delight and an excellent way to pass four days bedridden with COVID vaccine side effects (worth it).