A Surprising Revelation

Morpho Eugenia is one of a pair of novellas by A. S. Byatt published as

by Chatto & Windus in 1992. (Cover by Norman Adams)

I finished reading the first tale today. In just 160 pages Byatt has woven a work of philosophy, fable, scientific, and sociological study – all in powerful, delicate, elegantly descriptive prose – diaphanous, colourful and splendidly eloquent. Set in the mid-nineteenth century the Victorian obsession with naturalism is balanced with the Darwinian prompted debate between Creation and Evolution. The societies of insects such as bees and ants features alongside the wealthy family systems. There is a startlingly prophetic message for our over-developed societal organisations.

And this is not all. I didn’t foresee the surprising revelation at the end.

A few small vignettes decorate the pages.

This evening we dined once more on Jackie’s delicious steak, mushrooms and onions pie; served with roast potatoes, sweet potato, cauliflower, carrots, and cabbage.

41 comments

  1. I have not been able to wade through the opening pages of ‘Possession’ despite several attempts. It is said the book catch up majestically later on. Now I must finish her opus before I forage into ‘Angels and Insects’ of which you have a high opinion.

  2. Good morning Derrick!!!

    Angels & Insects is a 1995 American-British romance drama film directed by Philip Haas. It was written by Philip and Belinda Haas with A. S. Byatt after her novella Morpho Eugenia (included in her book Angels and Insects). The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdqnz-FtIog

  3. Sounds like a wonderful surprise! I like when that happens in books!
    Beautiful cover nd these illustrations are wonderful!
    I will see if I can find it to read. Right now I’m reading a mystery that a friend gave me.
    (((HUGS))) 🙂

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