I should probably have waited a little while to write this review, as it is not a kind one. I just put this book down after slogging through the last 1/4 of it. I think I'm supposed to love this book, but I didn't. I almost hesitate to
post a review since so many people I know loved this book to pieces.I won't get into a plot synopsis, others have done that well. I did not like any of the characters. I found the narrative faux erudite. It felt too chunked up for my tastes. And I absolutely hated the ending, which I saw coming a couple of hundred pages prior.
Sorry, Possession lovers, this just did not ring true for me or leave me breathless (other than after my rant about the ending).
There was some beautiful writing, which was worth 3 stars.
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I have no idea what's this book is about, but after reading your honest review I will pass it. :)
ReplyDeleteI was tremendously entertained while I was reading this book (although I agree about the ending), but I was surprised that it won the Booker prize. I thought it was too fluffy to win.
ReplyDeleteI believe the ending, which you foresaw, was supposed to be predictable, as this novel is supposed to a pastiche of that style of novel. The ending is a cliche for a reason. I'm not a Possession-fanatic, as the poetry and letters wore me out quickly, but Byatt's structure and playfulness made it at least worth reading.
ReplyDeleteok so I am presently reading this book and I have been reading it over a month. I just got to page 200 and I hope to finish it. the slowness of my reading has nothing to do with the good or bad but it has everything to do with the unavailability of time. I agree with most of the statements. What i find interesting are the fairy tales. i also loved reading the give and take part of the the letters between LaMotte and Ash. Since I only review African Novels at my blog I would just read this and pass...
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