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A review by wbashant
Angels & Insects: Two Novellas by A.S. Byatt
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is two novellas that would appeal to Victorianists.
The first is about a traveler and insect collector (William) who leaves behind his Amazonian studies after s shipwreck to rest snd recuperate at a big UK house in England. He falls in love with a mysterious woman (Eugenia) marry her and finds out her dark secrets. There is some turgid philosophy: Darwinism vs Theology that William and his father-in-law engage in. There are a few magical moments: the cloud of hutterflies, the infestation of moths, the glass behive and the final scene on the boat. Perfect for someone who knows the 19th c. Thick going for probably everyone else.
The second novella is even more specialized. It involves mediums and the fiancé of Arthur Hallem (memorialized in Tennyson's "In Memoriam") Lots of fun references to 19th c poem... but only gun if you know the period well.
The first is about a traveler and insect collector (William) who leaves behind his Amazonian studies after s shipwreck to rest snd recuperate at a big UK house in England. He falls in love with a mysterious woman (Eugenia) marry her and finds out her dark secrets. There is some turgid philosophy: Darwinism vs Theology that William and his father-in-law engage in. There are a few magical moments: the cloud of hutterflies, the infestation of moths, the glass behive and the final scene on the boat. Perfect for someone who knows the 19th c. Thick going for probably everyone else.
The second novella is even more specialized. It involves mediums and the fiancé of Arthur Hallem (memorialized in Tennyson's "In Memoriam") Lots of fun references to 19th c poem... but only gun if you know the period well.