From novellas to literary criticism, discover the diverse and captivating writings of AS Byatt.
AS Byatt, a renowned author whose career spanned six decades, left an indelible mark on the literary world with her award-winning novels, short stories, and literary criticism. For those new to her work or looking to revisit it, this guide offers a comprehensive overview of her writings, providing a range of entry points to explore her rich and diverse body of work.
The Entry Point:
To ease into Byatt’s weighty fiction, a good starting point is “Angels and Insects,” a pair of novellas that encapsulate some of her most fascinating themes. Set in the 19th century, a period where Byatt seemed particularly at home, “Morpho Eugenia” tells the story of William Adamson, an amateur entomologist who becomes entangled in a strange connection between his pursuit of English ants and his courtship of a young heiress. “The Conjugal Angel” features two Victorian ladies conducting seances, with Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “In Memoriam” providing solace as they communicate with the dead. These novellas not only showcase Byatt’s intellectual prowess but also weave in sensuality, a recurring element in her novels.
The (Possibly) Self-Revealing One:
A character who serves as an alter-ego for Byatt, Frederica Potter, appears in four of her novels. The first in the quartet, “The Virgin in the Garden,” introduces readers to the high expectations and engrossing coming-of-age story of Frederica, set predominantly in the 1950s when Byatt herself was a teenager. As a clever and bookish 17-year-old, Frederica navigates the complexities of literature while finding men perplexing. Her pursuit of carnal knowledge unfolds against the backdrop of a play about Elizabeth I, written by one of the men in her life, which is performed in a garden to celebrate the new Queen’s coronation. Symbolism and literary allusions abound, but at its core, the novel delves into Frederica’s exploration of her own desires.
The One to Enjoy in Small Bites:
In addition to her novels, Byatt was a connoisseur of short stories. One of her notable collections is “The Matisse Stories,” three interconnected tales that draw inspiration from Matisse paintings. These stories serve as experiments, showcasing Byatt’s immense enjoyment and knowledge of visual art in concise and captivating narratives.
The One to Mention at Dinner Parties:
While Byatt was primarily known for her fiction, she never ceased to be a literary critic at heart. “Wordsworth and Coleridge in Their Time,” written in her early thirties, remains an excellent to these influential writers and their relationship. However, “Imagining Characters” stands out as a more unconventional choice. This book consists of transcribed exchanges with Brazilian psychoanalyst Ignês Sodré, delving into the heroines of six great novels by women, including Jane Austen’s “Mansfield Park” and Toni Morrison’s “Beloved.” Byatt’s focus on narrative logic and use of metaphor, combined with Sodré’s psychological insights, provides a unique and thought-provoking exploration of these literary characters.
The Bumper Compendium:
Byatt’s last major work, “The Children’s Book,” is a sprawling epic that was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2009. Set in the 1890s and spanning three decades, the novel follows the Wellwood family, particularly Olive Wellwood, a writer of children’s books who bears resemblance to E Nesbit. Byatt skillfully weaves fictional characters with historical figures such as JM Barrie, Oscar Wilde, and Emmeline Pankhurst. Against the backdrop of the First World War, the novel explores the sacrifices made by those who believe in art or progress. With meticulous historical detail and keen observations, “The Children’s Book” offers a compelling narrative that immerses readers in a bygone era.
The One to Avoid:
While Byatt’s works are generally celebrated, “Babel Tower” may not be the best to her writing. Considered the third installment in the Frederica Potter series, this novel experiments with an austere prose style that can be challenging for readers. With metafictional flourishes and an overwhelming amount of literary overload, including excerpts from an execrable novel within the novel, “Babel Tower” may not be the most accessible or enjoyable entry point into Byatt’s oeuvre.
If You Only Read One, It Should Be:
“Possession,” Byatt’s Booker Prize-winning novel from 1990, is a must-read. Described as a “romance,” the book seamlessly blends erudition with a captivating love story. Moving between the present and the 19th century, the novel follows two academic researchers as they uncover the secrets of Victorian poets Randolph Ash and Christabel LaMotte. Byatt’s skillful use of literary allusions, including clever pastiches of Victorian poetry, adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. While some readers may be tempted to skip the poems, they contain essential clues to a secret sexual passion, underscoring Byatt’s mastery of storytelling.
Conclusion:
AS Byatt’s vast body of work offers readers a multitude of entry points into her rich and intricate narratives. From novellas like “Angels and Insects” to the historical epic “The Children’s Book,” Byatt’s writing showcases her intellectual prowess, sensuality, and love for literature and art. Whether exploring the coming-of-age journey of Frederica Potter or delving into her thought-provoking literary criticism, readers are sure to find a captivating and rewarding experience within the pages of Byatt’s works.
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