101 Books to Read Before You Die discussion

I don't have a physical copy in front of me for the breakdown, if there is any, so make sure to post any spoilers in spoiler brackets.

A finely constructed & well written novel of depth. Polyphonic in construction using poetry, letters, diaries, journal and prose. An intelligent and satisfying read.

I have to say it too me up to 25% in to really start enjoying this book and now I’m halfway through and find it difficult to put down!
Beautifully written and exciting.
I’m looking forward to the second half

I agree, this is very well written. Byatt displays a tremendous range of talent by incorporating so many different genres in this novel. However, the story never grabbed me and I found the ending disappointing. I could never figure out how this set of correspondence would have such earth shaking ramifications for the world of 19th century British poetic studies.

I think I'm about 1/3 through this... and in sections I really like it, and in others, I'm going "dear God, what in the world are they talking about and why do I care?"

I do like the correspondence, and some of the stories, but the overall story of the guy finding and exploring the letters is mostly boring to me, at least at this point.

I'm glad to read all of your comments, though, it's giving me encouragement to continue reading!

So the middle section dragged a bit for me, but putting together all the pieces at the end and all the mystery aspects were great! I have to imagine that other than all of the romantic aspects of the academics, the investigation probably has a lot of similarities to real life, in the work that has to be done to dig up old letters and documents, and hope that they even exist. I'm sure all the pieces don't always come together so nicely, but I liked the ending anyway, especially the post-script.