description Possession: A Romance Overview
Possession explores a complex romantic mystery set within the academic world of 1990s Britain. The novel centers on literary scholar Daphne Du Maurier and her investigation into the life and work of Victorian poet Edmund Gibson. It’s notable for its intricate plot weaving together historical fiction, contemporary scholarship, and a passionate love story. Possession is primarily for readers interested in literary analysis, historical romance, and stories examining the intersection of art and personal relationships.
insights Why this score
Possession: A Romance ranks #7 of 127 in the Campus Novel ranking, behind Doctor Faustus, ahead of Fifth Business.
help Possession: A Romance FAQ
What awards did A.S. Byatt's novel Possession win?
Possession: A Romance won the prestigious Booker Prize for Fiction in 1990. The novel beat out other highly regarded shortlisted works that year, significantly boosting A.S. Byatt's international profile.
Who are the fictional Victorian poets in Possession?
The secret Victorian love affair in the novel centers on two fictional poets: Randolph Henry Ash and Christabel LaMotte. Modern scholars Roland Michell and Maud Bailey spend the book uncovering their hidden correspondence.
Was the book Possession ever adapted into a movie?
Yes, the novel was adapted into a 2002 feature film directed by Neil LaBute. It starred Aaron Eckhart and Gwyneth Paltrow as the modern scholars, alongside Jeremy Northam and Jennifer Ehle as the Victorian poets.
What writing styles and formats are used in Possession?
The book uses a complex epistolary structure, mixing modern academic detective work with fictional Victorian poetry, letters, and diaries. Byatt wrote completely original poetry in the style of Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Emily Dickinson to lend realism to her characters.
explore Explore More
Similar to Possession: A Romance
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
