As he works with Maud Bailey to uncover the truth, the two academics themselves begin to fall in love. If he can establish a connection between Ash and LaMotte he will save his floundering academic career.

Roland realises at once the significance of this discovery. Roland soon discovers that the letters were intended for Christabel LaMotte. Tucked inside, undisturbed for a century, are two unfinished letters written by Ash which suggest the Victorian poet may have had a hitherto unknown extra-marital liaison. Roland discovers evidence of this relationship in the Reading Room of the London Library, while he is leafing through an old book that once belonged to Ash. It is Ash and LaMotte (apparently based by Byatt on Robert Browning and Christina Rosetti) who together make up the second couple in this romance.

Maud is the leading expert on another Victorian poet, Christabel LaMotte. Roland is interested in (you might say infatuated with) the life of the Victorian poet, Randolph Henry Ash. In the present (1984) there are the English literature academics, Roland Michell and Maud Bailey. Like all great novels, it works on many different levels, and if you don't want to delve into the deeper significance of the text you can simply enjoy the story and the wonderful prose. The novel itself has acquired a reputation as a 'difficult' read, but don't let that put you off.

This edition of Possession is therefore similar in size and appearance to an airport lounge blockbuster. Presumably in an attempt to make these literary prize-winners more accessible, Vintage has published the series in mass market format. A brilliant read, sadly let down by the cheap and pulpy quality of this edition.Ī S Byatt won the Booker Prize for Possession in 1990 and this new edition of the novel is part of a celebration of Booker winners produced by Vintage Books. Summary: A multi-layered Booker-prizewinning novel about the nature of love and 'possession'.

Possession vintage byatt