All covers from Vintage
Possession by A.S. Byatt is one of my favorite books and one of the only novels that I’ve read more than once over the years. I last read it two years ago and, though it didn’t have the same hold over me as it did when I was 20, it was still an engaging and powerful reading experience.
I own a copy of no. 1, but I really do think all of the covers here are gorgeous and perfect for this book. What do you think? Have you read Possession?
A Certain Fondness 
Oh I love Possession. I read it on a working holiday in the part of Brittany where it’s set. I’ve front cover 5.
LikeLike
How wonderful to read it in such an important setting in the book. I’m sure it was very atmospheric!
LikeLike
I read Possession a few years ago and found it challenging but wonderful! No. 4 is the one I read and it’s my favourite of all the covers.
LikeLike
No. 4 is beautiful!
LikeLike
I read No. 5 many years ago, I’ve been wondering about a re-read, and I’m going to take your cover collection as a sign that I should. that original paperback cover and No. 1 are my favourites, I think.
LikeLike
I think it is a book that demands to be re-read – I gleaned so much from reading it again, things I didn’t notice on the first read.
LikeLike
I loved it, and number 1 is my favorite.
LikeLike
I’m so glad you loved it!
LikeLike
I have edition no.5 but I love the Burne-Jones detail on the first one. Byatt is a favourite author of mine, I probably prefer the Fredericka novels which begin with The Virgin in the Garden, I also keep meaning to re-read Possession and some of her other titles.
LikeLike
I’ve only read The Children’s Book and some of Byatt’s short stories – I’d love to try the Fredericka novels. She’s a beautiful writer.
LikeLike
Are there butterflies in Possession? I don’t remember there being, but I admit to skipping over a large portion of the poetry.
LikeLike
I don’t think there are explicit butterflies, but lots about metamorphosis in the poetry.
LikeLike
I have no 5 which I think fits it very well. Loved this book!
LikeLike
I’m glad so many people love it!
LikeLike
I have a copy with cover #1 and I think that’s my favorite. Like Jenny who commented earlier, I don’t remember a butterfly theme in the book…but I also skipped over much of the poetry! I tend to do that whenever I’m reading a novel and come to a passage of poetry or a transcribed song. It’s a bad habit, but in my defense I’m usually just eager to get on with the prose to see what happens next.
LikeLike
I usually skip over poetry and songs in novels also, but I made myself read them the last time I read Possession and they are amazing. Byatt is a genius.
LikeLike
I have read it and loved it. My favorite is #5. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike
No 5 seems to be the one most people love. It is very gorgeous. I wish you a wonderful weekend also!
LikeLike
I haven’t read A S Byatt but I really want to! I think I’d be most drawn to cover #4.
LikeLike
I think Byatt is hard to read, but Possession is probably the best one to start with. I hope you try her!
LikeLike
1 and 4 are the ones that are instantly recognisable to me. I think I like 4 the best, the colours with the flowers.
LikeLike
I like No. 4, too, it is quite eye-catching.
LikeLike
Love cover 5. Pretty sure I owned cover 2 at one time but I couldn’t get into the book so gave it away. I do like A S Byatt’s critical articles, though. She’s great on Willa Cather!
LikeLike
Possession, I think, is my favourite novel. I’ve only read it all the way through once and I’m kind of nervous about reading it again. When I first read it a few years ago it was during a very stressful time in my life and it helped me through.
I own #5. I picked it up in a second hand book store for just $4!
LikeLike
I was nervous reading it again, too, but it held up! It is still a fantastic novel. And what a bargain you got!
LikeLike
I know this is probably long overdue for a comment, but I just want to say No. 2 is my favourite, it’s also the one that I own. Was listening to the audiobook some time back and it was very good to hear the poetry recited by someone instead of reading through it myself. 🙂
LikeLike
I would love to listen to Possession on audio! I can only imagine how much more beautiful the poems are hearing them aloud.
LikeLike