English Mysteries Club discussion

Here we go...a new book to read together! Enjoy!

I read this when it first came out-- what is that, 25 years ago? And I remember it taking a little bit for me to get sucked in but then I couldn't put it down.

See...I tried it once before and couldn't get into it. So when I saw it in one of the lists of suggestions from lovely group members, I knew it time to try it again.

So - who else is coming along for the ride???? Any other takers?

I might be, but I'm still deciding. It's one of those I have considered reading, but not been quite sold on enough to actually pick it up.

ACK! Confession time...I'm still not quite done yet!

Confession #2 - I have skipped some of the poetry to try and keep moving forward with reading the text as I knew I was falling behind.

Overall, I'm enjoying it but it's a bit heavy going in places for my tastes.

Here's hoping a few of you are way ahead of me and are ready to discuss things. Please don't worry about spoilers at this point...just jump into the deep end and tell us what you think!

Well - I've finished it! I'm feeling a bit pleased with myself as I've tried reading it before and not been able to get through it - it's a very slow start and it did take me a bit of time to get into things. And this time I've read the whole thing...whew!! :-)

So - I was delighted by the ending and how everything finally connected up in the end...the last 100 pages or so in the hardback version I was reading was captivating.

As to characters, I definitely agree with Anna that there were times when Ash needed a good smack. In a way, each of the characters in term (minus Roland maybe) kind of deserved one at some point or other in the story. I like the fact that Byatt's characters are a bit ambiguous. You're not quite sure if you like them or not half the time.

And then, the idea of a 'literary mystery' wasn't one I had considered as moderator of this group and this is clearly a good example of such a thing. That said, I'm not sure I'd read this one again despite having enjoyed reading it and feeling a sense of accomplishment at reading it after all these years and previous attempts. The intricately woven literary history and personal histories and the final link to Maud's character was so detailed, so specific in the way it was woven together. And I'm kind of blow away by Byatt's ability to bring it all together with such clarity.

Anna - I'd love to hear more about your perspectives on the book. I'm always intrigued by books that people read more than once. I have an author/book or two that I'm like that about...perhaps not this one...but I'm curious to know more about your input.

I think my strongest reaction was to the Postscript where you find out that Ash knew all along about the child. So bittersweet and poignant an ending!

More thoughts anyone??

Oh my goodness...someone else who re-reads Jane Eyre?!?! What are the odds? :-) I've seriously lost track over the years on how many times I've reread that one! It's gotten me through good times and bad.

I love your analysis of Possession. I think you're right about it being several love stories in one - in some ways they are dominant above the literary mystery side of the story. And that epilogue...I admit to a few tears. I'm still a bit surprised that I found this one a bit hard going at times but I'm delighted that I've finally read it and can see what the fuss was all about when it first came out!

J.E. as the comfort food of books...LOVE THAT!:-)

I'm still really glad I read Possession. I've started it a number of times and it's great to know that I've read it now. And I did enjoy it even though it was a bit heavy going at times.