‘The Conjugial Angel’ is the title of the second novella in A. S. Byatt’s diptych published as ‘Angels & Insects’ that I featured recently.
I finished reading this one today.
The link between the two shorter works is the treatment of Victorian obsessions. Using the medium of a dramatic s√©ance ‘The Conjugial Angel’ takes us into the fantasy world invoked by Spiritualism; and the preoccupation with death, grief, and mourning. The Widow of Windsor, as some termed Queen Victoria herself, was the classic bereaved who dressed in weeds for the rest of her life after the death of her beloved consort, Albert.
With her usual richly descriptive language, Byatt evokes the tangible auditory, visual, and tactile hallucinations experienced around the tricky tables in darkened drawing rooms. She catches the sexual electricity burning beneath the surface. One of the participants was the sister of Alfred Lord Tennyson, who loved and lost A. A. H., the subject of the poet’s ‘In Memoriam.’. For me, it is the quotations from that great elegy that more aptly enhance the text than some of the others that are woven into the pages. The author does, however, blend the earthly and the erudite in her style.
As with the first story, small vignettes enhance the text. I have chosen to include one of a raven, giving a nod to Edgar Allan Poe’s eponymous poem describing a visit to a distraught lover descending into madness.
Jackie and I sit side by side watching television in the evenings. Because we only have one arm on each side of the sofa, my current seating and rising performance has been excruciating for me and rather perturbing to witness. As is her wont, Mrs Knight has applied herself to the problem and provided me with a plastic prosthesis.
I availed myself of this while finishing the book.
This evening we dined on The Culinary Queen’s excellent chicken jalfrezi, vegetable samosas, and savoury rice.
That’s very resourceful of her and you have a cushion table too. It is horrid to watch someone suffer. You didn’t explain what the brick is for, or if you did, I missed it.
Many thanks, Susan. See my response to Pauline, the contented crafter.
Mourning seems to me a silly way to spend an afternoon or evening.
So now you are armed and ready for emergencies!
Poe’s raven has been cropping up a bit lately, but not in the light he intended.
Thanks very much, Leslie. I like the pun
Jackie is nothing if not inventively creative – and as I also note she has given over some of her half of the sofa – generous! I also wonder about the brick…….. again I shall refrain from making suggestions 🙂
Glad you noticed the brick, Pauline. There for when I need to rest the other foot. Jackie reminds me that at this stage last time I couldn’t bend the operated knee at all and she was forever having to get up and move the brick. Fortunately that has not been necessary this time round.
Jackie is so clever (in so many ways). There was quite a cult of mourning in the 19th century, and so many who also were interested in the spirit world and seances. It also coincides with photography–all sorts of wonderfully weird stuff.
All true, Merril. Many thanks
The book sounds fascinating, Derrick; something to put on my “to read” list. I hope you regain your full range of movements soon!
Many thanks, Dolly
My pleasure
Jackie is a Jackie of all trades – so blinking clever!
Nice of Jackie to think of that making your life a little easier Derrick!
She’s thoughtfully resourceful, Arlene. Many thanks
The book sounds interesting but that armrest that Jackie provided takes the prize!
It sure does, Cynthia. Many thanks
Glad you are progressing. You could take up table tipping,while you build up mobility. 🙂
🙂 Many thanks, Joseph
That Jackie…she is all that! Love your slippers, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Jill. Bought for hospital and not used there 🙂
The queen looks after you with great care, you are definitely her knight!
Thanks very much, Dymoon
Love that..
You have offered rare insights into Byatt’s diptych, and the author’s ingenious mechanism to explore the Victorian ethos.
I hope the winter of your orthopedic discontent passes away soon. Till then, Jackie’s methods should help lessen the pain.
Very many thanks, Uma
Thank you for the introduction to A. S. Byatt, Derrick!
Jackie is taking great care of you. You will recover quickly. 🙂
Thanks very much, Lavinia
God bless you ☺
Many thanks, Cinnamon
You’re welcome
Mrs. Knight is a keeper! 🙂 She is wise and wonderful…a Lady who keeps her Knight’s armour shining! I am glad she is taking such good care of you, Mr. Knight! 🙂
Thank you for sharing the novella.
Oh, your mention of Mr. Poe! I’ve loved his writing since I discovered him as a teenager.
Continued wishes for healing and recovery!
I got good news at my oncologist appointment today and blogged about it. I am SO grateful!!! 🙂
HUGS to all! 🙂
Great news for you, Carolyn. I look forward to reading about it. Thanks very much for all this X
Oh, I do like the idea of your temporary prosthesis. I find it impossible to sit on the left side of a sofa for any length of time. I have to fight the urge to ask others to swap places. My side has always been to the right, with legs curled up comfortably and my arm lazily leaning on the sofa arm! Your prosthesis would be perfect.
Give it a go, Sue. Thanks very much
Thank you for the excellent review of a book I may not want to read because of its theme. I hope the recovery will go well.
Thanks very much, Sylvie
An excellent solution. 😀
Sounds like an interesting read Derrick. As for your recovery, you know how it goes from the last one. Before you know it all the discomfort will be behind you!
I look forward to that, Gary. Thanks very much.
So nice to be home and be able to sink into Byatt’s lovely descriptive dense prose. I too was glad to see the slippers. And Jackie! Well, clever, caring and a culinary queen! I’m glad she’s on hand for all the adaptations needed in your recovery.
Many thanks, Lisa. Pleased you like Byatt
How ingenious of Jackie to provide you with the additional armrest. Thank you for the brief introduction to the novella. Certainly seems interesting.
I think you would like the book, LL/PS. Thanks very much