I only had time to finish the first story of the book, that which focused on the insects.

Byatt´s writing is beautiful. Her storytelling is mesmerizing.

I am glad I finally took the time to read her books because I am in love with her stories, the way she conveys her worlds, describes the people, their feelings and actions. I really enjoyed the frame narrative of the first story - how the experiments and discoveries in the characters´ real life were interlaced into a wonderful little fairy tail full of mystery and magic and mythology.

I hope to be able to read the second story as well at some point, but even based on just the first one, I would definitely recommend it. It is lovely.