This was a wonderful introduction Caroline! I’m joining from Budapest, Hungary. First time reading Possession, and this is my 2nd slow reading on the platform (I’m doing the 1-year slow read of the Wolf Hall trilogy with Simon H.)
When you mentioned how Possession includes whole works of poetry it got me thinking about another poetry-centric mystery book I read recently: Roberto Bolaño’s The Savage Detectives. In this one however none of the poetry is actually given to the reader; the magic and part of the mystery lies in how other people talk about it, about the poets and about the movement they promoted. I never imagined poetry could be such a fertile ground for mystery writing 😆.
What an excellent reference to Bolaño! I’ve had that one on my list for over a decade, but I think that may be the perfect read for my December holiday once we finish Possession. Welcome, and so glad you’re joining!
Savage Detectives is in my huge TBR pile. I read 2666 at the start of the year and I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like it. His writing is extraordinary!
I’m so glad to begin this journey, joining from Juneau, Alaska. I read Possession in the 1990s and also fell in love with the story and the author. Thank you, Caroline, for hosting this community slow read!
Hi everyone. I’m Craig from Daphne, Alabama, USA (originally from western Pennsylvania—hey there Elizabeth Lasted). First time reading Possession and A. S. Byatt as well. My second slow read. I slow read War and Peace with Simon Haisell in 2024. Using the Kindle version of the Vintage 1991 edition of Possession. This version has the painting “The Beguiling of Merlin” as cover art, which may carry some symbolism for this book?
Hi Craig, Western PA is my lifelong home, I grew up in Erie, most of my adult life has been in Pittsburgh though for some years I was in the Washington DC area and Brussels Belgium. Do you have a best memory from PA?
Welcome Craig! War and Peace is a brilliant first slow read — it was mine as well. Delighted to have you here and yes, I suspect that you will find some connections to The Beguiling of Merlin for sure!
I’m joining from London but as long as everything stays on track I’ll be finishing it from a village just south of Bristol. Relocating with my family is going to be a stressful process, so the timing of this slow read is perfect for me.
I’ve read Possession multiple times - it’s one of my comfort books, along with Cold Comfort Farm, The Secret History and Swallows & Amazons (which my partner is currently reading aloud to our daughters each evening while I knit socks). While I have probably read it five times, I don’t think I’ve done so in the last decade due to the ever increasing TBR pile so I’m really looking forward to revisiting it. Thank you for giving me the prompt I needed, Caroline!
Absolutely my pleasure, Eleanor! Moves are stressful indeed, so hopefully this will give you an escape along the way. That read aloud with knitting scenario sounds positively divine, by the way.
This is Jane, joining from Los Angeles. I’m in the last months of Simon Haisell’s slow read of War and Peace, and have only just finished reading Possession for the second time (I read it in 1990 when it first came out). I was regretting that I still didn’t have a chance to take it all in, because the plot once again kept me moving too fast. When I saw that you were offering this slow read, it seemed perfect, a chance to linger with the craft of the book without being driven by plot-greed! Thank you for offering this slow read, and I’m looking forward to joining the community of readers.
How lovely! It really expands in such a beautiful way when you slow down with it, but man does this story make it hard to pace yourself, doesn’t it? Welcome!
Thanks Caroline for that introduction. I'm Elizabeth from Pittsburgh, PA USA. I too read possession very quickly 20 years ago. I'm really looking forward to this, my first slow read on Substack. Can't wait to read everyone's comments!
Hello! I also loved the introduction and the music; this is my first foray into Possession, and a slow read in general. I'm joining from Austin, TX - the morning breeze has turned *slightly* cooler and the college kids have taken over our neighborhood again, so it feels a little like going back to school (in a good way).
It's been a while since I have completed a book (any book), and I thought this would be a great way to help rebuild that muscle. I'm really enjoying the first section, my favorite part so far (as noted in the intro) is the distinct lack of technology. There's just something cozy about it? That could also just be my work burnout, ha. Also appreciate any excuse to buy highlighters and stationary...
Looking forward to reading more and hearing everyone's thoughts!
Welcome, Vicki! Ahhhh that crisp back to school feeling. Really glad you’re enjoying it so far. The lack of tech is so wonderful. I could not get enough of it and am loving it just as much this time through. Yay for dusty pages, right? And all the fun stationery — my favorite.😍
Hello, I'm Ruth, from Brisbane, Australia. I see some familiar faces here from Simon's W&P slow read 👋 And I'm doing his APOGS and associated books this year too. I read Possession when it came out and loved it – it was not surpassed as my favourite book until very recently. I also love her short stories, particularly 'Cold' in the collection Elementals, which I found exquisite. I'm very much looking forward to this slow read.
Welcome, Ruth! So happy to have you and very glad to hear you see some old friends here. Hopefully we’ll all have lots of new reading friends at the end.
And agreed — this is a tough favorite book to beat. It has definitely reclaimed that spot as I’ve been working on thus slow read. 🩷
Hi, I’m Meredith, from Australia. I did read the book when it first came out, and remember enjoying it, but of course those memories have faded! I’m really getting into this style of reading this year. I’m doing current reads with Simon and Hayley (both mentioned in the intro) and have done a couple with others. I’m really looking forward to your “take” on this novel Caroline. Happy reading everyone 😊
Welcome Meredith! Happy to have you with us. This book really glows with a second read — Enjoy the adventure. 💗 Haley and Simon do an excellent job, so glad you’ve been enjoying their reads, too.
This was a wonderful introduction Caroline! I’m joining from Budapest, Hungary. First time reading Possession, and this is my 2nd slow reading on the platform (I’m doing the 1-year slow read of the Wolf Hall trilogy with Simon H.)
When you mentioned how Possession includes whole works of poetry it got me thinking about another poetry-centric mystery book I read recently: Roberto Bolaño’s The Savage Detectives. In this one however none of the poetry is actually given to the reader; the magic and part of the mystery lies in how other people talk about it, about the poets and about the movement they promoted. I never imagined poetry could be such a fertile ground for mystery writing 😆.
What an excellent reference to Bolaño! I’ve had that one on my list for over a decade, but I think that may be the perfect read for my December holiday once we finish Possession. Welcome, and so glad you’re joining!
Just added to my TBR list, which is, of course, seemingly infinite. Thanks, Adri! 🙏
Mine fills my whole house these days 🤣
Savage Detectives is in my huge TBR pile. I read 2666 at the start of the year and I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like it. His writing is extraordinary!
I’m so glad to begin this journey, joining from Juneau, Alaska. I read Possession in the 1990s and also fell in love with the story and the author. Thank you, Caroline, for hosting this community slow read!
So happy to have you here, Jennifer! Can’t wait for us all to fall in love with this book all over again, or for the first time!
Hi everyone. I’m Craig from Daphne, Alabama, USA (originally from western Pennsylvania—hey there Elizabeth Lasted). First time reading Possession and A. S. Byatt as well. My second slow read. I slow read War and Peace with Simon Haisell in 2024. Using the Kindle version of the Vintage 1991 edition of Possession. This version has the painting “The Beguiling of Merlin” as cover art, which may carry some symbolism for this book?
Hi Craig, Western PA is my lifelong home, I grew up in Erie, most of my adult life has been in Pittsburgh though for some years I was in the Washington DC area and Brussels Belgium. Do you have a best memory from PA?
Mazeroski’s home run 1960. My hometown is New Castle.
Aah yes! Very famous moment that is still celebrated on the anniversary!
Welcome Craig! War and Peace is a brilliant first slow read — it was mine as well. Delighted to have you here and yes, I suspect that you will find some connections to The Beguiling of Merlin for sure!
I’m joining from London but as long as everything stays on track I’ll be finishing it from a village just south of Bristol. Relocating with my family is going to be a stressful process, so the timing of this slow read is perfect for me.
I’ve read Possession multiple times - it’s one of my comfort books, along with Cold Comfort Farm, The Secret History and Swallows & Amazons (which my partner is currently reading aloud to our daughters each evening while I knit socks). While I have probably read it five times, I don’t think I’ve done so in the last decade due to the ever increasing TBR pile so I’m really looking forward to revisiting it. Thank you for giving me the prompt I needed, Caroline!
Absolutely my pleasure, Eleanor! Moves are stressful indeed, so hopefully this will give you an escape along the way. That read aloud with knitting scenario sounds positively divine, by the way.
This is Jane, joining from Los Angeles. I’m in the last months of Simon Haisell’s slow read of War and Peace, and have only just finished reading Possession for the second time (I read it in 1990 when it first came out). I was regretting that I still didn’t have a chance to take it all in, because the plot once again kept me moving too fast. When I saw that you were offering this slow read, it seemed perfect, a chance to linger with the craft of the book without being driven by plot-greed! Thank you for offering this slow read, and I’m looking forward to joining the community of readers.
How lovely! It really expands in such a beautiful way when you slow down with it, but man does this story make it hard to pace yourself, doesn’t it? Welcome!
May I make a suggestion? Please turn the volume of the music down. It’s more important to hear your words than the music.
The levels were off on this file. They’ve been adjusted now — thank you for alerting me.
Your hearing-impaired listeners appreciate you.
Agreed Deb, but the tune was beautiful Caroline, tell your composer friend thank you. I feel her style
Thanks Caroline for that introduction. I'm Elizabeth from Pittsburgh, PA USA. I too read possession very quickly 20 years ago. I'm really looking forward to this, my first slow read on Substack. Can't wait to read everyone's comments!
I can't wait either — so excited we're finally off and reading!
Hello! I also loved the introduction and the music; this is my first foray into Possession, and a slow read in general. I'm joining from Austin, TX - the morning breeze has turned *slightly* cooler and the college kids have taken over our neighborhood again, so it feels a little like going back to school (in a good way).
It's been a while since I have completed a book (any book), and I thought this would be a great way to help rebuild that muscle. I'm really enjoying the first section, my favorite part so far (as noted in the intro) is the distinct lack of technology. There's just something cozy about it? That could also just be my work burnout, ha. Also appreciate any excuse to buy highlighters and stationary...
Looking forward to reading more and hearing everyone's thoughts!
Welcome, Vicki! Ahhhh that crisp back to school feeling. Really glad you’re enjoying it so far. The lack of tech is so wonderful. I could not get enough of it and am loving it just as much this time through. Yay for dusty pages, right? And all the fun stationery — my favorite.😍
Hello, I'm Ruth, from Brisbane, Australia. I see some familiar faces here from Simon's W&P slow read 👋 And I'm doing his APOGS and associated books this year too. I read Possession when it came out and loved it – it was not surpassed as my favourite book until very recently. I also love her short stories, particularly 'Cold' in the collection Elementals, which I found exquisite. I'm very much looking forward to this slow read.
Welcome, Ruth! So happy to have you and very glad to hear you see some old friends here. Hopefully we’ll all have lots of new reading friends at the end.
And agreed — this is a tough favorite book to beat. It has definitely reclaimed that spot as I’ve been working on thus slow read. 🩷
Hi, I’m Meredith, from Australia. I did read the book when it first came out, and remember enjoying it, but of course those memories have faded! I’m really getting into this style of reading this year. I’m doing current reads with Simon and Hayley (both mentioned in the intro) and have done a couple with others. I’m really looking forward to your “take” on this novel Caroline. Happy reading everyone 😊
Welcome Meredith! Happy to have you with us. This book really glows with a second read — Enjoy the adventure. 💗 Haley and Simon do an excellent job, so glad you’ve been enjoying their reads, too.