From novellas to novels, short stories to literary criticism, discover the best entry points into the captivating world 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 roadmap to some of Byatt’s most compelling works. Whether you’re drawn to her exploration of themes in the 19th century, her self-revealing alter-ego characters, her mastery of short stories, or her insightful literary criticism, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the rich and diverse body of work Byatt has left behind.
The Entry Point: Angels and Insects
Byatt’s weighty fiction may be intimidating to some, but a great starting point is her pair of novellas, “Angels and Insects.” Set in the 19th century, these stories delve into themes that fascinated Byatt throughout her career. “Morpho Eugenia” follows an amateur entomologist who returns from the Amazon rainforest to study English ants while courting a young heiress, leading to an unexpected connection. “The Conjugal Angel” features two Victorian ladies conducting seances, finding solace in Tennyson’s poetry as they communicate with the dead. These novellas offer a blend of intellect, sensuality, and captivating storytelling that Byatt is known for.
The (Possibly) Self-Revealing One: The Frederica Potter Quartet
For readers seeking a character who embodies Byatt’s own experiences and struggles, the Frederica Potter Quartet is a must-read. The first novel in the series, “The Virgin in the Garden,” is a coming-of-age story set in the 1950s, following the clever and bookish Frederica as she navigates literature and her own pursuit of knowledge. With allusions to Spenser’s “The Faerie Queene” and a backdrop of Elizabeth I’s coronation, this novel explores Frederica’s journey into adulthood and her pursuit of carnal knowledge.
The One to Enjoy in Small Bites: The Matisse Stories
While Byatt is known for her long novels, she was also a master of the short story form. “The Matisse Stories,” a collection of three interconnected tales, draws inspiration from Matisse paintings. These stories showcase Byatt’s deep knowledge and enjoyment of visual art, offering readers a glimpse into her experimental and thought-provoking storytelling.
The One to Mention at Dinner Parties: Imagining Characters
As a literary critic at heart, Byatt’s insight into characters and narrative is unparalleled. “Imagining Characters,” a collection of transcribed exchanges with psychoanalyst Ignês Sodré, delves into the heroines of six great novels by women, including Jane Austen’s “Mansfield Park” and Toni Morrison’s “Beloved.” Byatt’s discussions on narrative logic and metaphor, combined with Sodré’s psychoanalysis, offer a unique and engaging exploration of these iconic characters.
The Bumper Compendium: The Children’s Book
For readers looking for a sweeping historical epic, Byatt’s “The Children’s Book” is a must-read. Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2009, this novel spans several decades, beginning in the 1890s. It follows the Wellwood family, with Olive Wellwood, a writer of children’s books, at the center. Mixing fictional characters with historical figures such as JM Barrie and Emmeline Pankhurst, Byatt weaves a tale of art, sacrifice, and the impact of war on Europe.
The One to Avoid: Babel Tower
While Byatt’s body of work is lauded, there is one novel that may be best left unread. “Babel Tower,” the third novel in the Frederica Potter sequence, is a metafictional labyrinth that may prove overwhelming for some readers. With multiple beginnings and an abundance of literary overload, the potential absorbing story of a woman in an unhappy marriage is buried beneath the weight of its own complexity.
Conclusion:
AS Byatt’s vast body of work offers something for everyone, from novellas exploring the 19th century to self-revealing alter-ego characters, from short stories that experiment with form to insightful literary criticism. Whether you dive into her weighty novels or savor her shorter works, Byatt’s storytelling prowess, deep knowledge of art and literature, and thought-provoking themes will captivate and inspire readers for generations to come.
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