A collection of short stories including subjects as diverse as memories, marriage, insects and ghosts. A.S. Byatt's other books include "Possession", winner of the 1990 Booker Prize.

2007-06-26 Sex, death and fantasy

Having not long finished Possession there could be no doubting the authorship of Angels & Insects: A S Byatt, surely our greatest living `Victorian' writer. Once again we are treated through delightful writing to a study of the twin Victorian obsessions of sex and death. The two charming novellas which comprise this book are both dreamy romantic-fantasies very much in the nineteenth century mould but with a darker twist. The first concerns a poor young naturalist who marries into the gentry, accepted on the grounds that he has qualities more important than financial resources. We learn eventually that his wife doesn't. The second takes place in the world of séances and looks at the haunting power of lost love and the need for some to cling to it. I am familiar with Victorian literature (novels) and with mid-nineteenth century attitudes towards nature and its origins and can vouch for the authenticity of this work from these two perspectives. As for poetry and spiritualism I cannot say but they certainly read authentically. I can recommend this book strongly to those with a literary bent and an interest in the Victorian era. Others may find the stories a little long-winded and somewhat difficult.