“The book was thick and black and covered with dust. Its boards were bowed and creaking; it had been maltreated in its own time. Its spine was missing, or, rather, protruded from amongst the leaves like a bulky marker. It was bandaged about and about with dirty white tape, tied in a neat bow.”
Part One
The novel opens with Roland Michell, a young academic researching the fictional Victorian poet Randolph Henry Ash, discovering drafts of passionate letters in an old book. Suspecting they were written to an unknown woman, he investigates and identifies the recipient as Christabel LaMotte, a lesser-known poet. Roland seeks out Maud Bailey, a LaMotte scholar, and together they begin unraveling the secret love affair between the two poets.
Part Two
Roland and Maud travel to Lincolnshire, where LaMotte once lived, and uncover more letters hidden in a doll’s bed. The correspondence reveals a deep, forbidden romance between Ash and LaMotte, challenging the scholarly consensus that Ash was a devoted husband. Meanwhile, rival academics, including the possessive Mortimer Cropper, become aware of the discovery and pursue the truth for their own gain.
Part Three
The scholars follow clues to Brittany, where LaMotte spent time with her companion Blanche Glover. They learn that LaMotte became pregnant with Ash’s child, likely given up for adoption. The narrative alternates between the modern researchers and excerpts from Ash and LaMotte’s letters, poetry, and diaries, deepening the mystery.
Part Four
Roland and Maud’s professional relationship evolves into a tentative romance, mirroring the Victorian poets’ story. They track down the possible descendant of Ash and LaMotte’s child, while Cropper and others close in on the evidence. The tension escalates as the modern scholars race to piece together the truth before their rivals.
Part Five
The final revelations come in a dramatic confrontation at Ash’s grave, where Cropper attempts to exhume a buried box of letters. Roland and Maud intervene, securing the documents. The novel concludes with Roland gaining confidence in his career and personal life, while Maud reconciles with her own past, both forever changed by the poets’ hidden love story.
Key Ideas
- The intersection of scholarship and personal obsession in uncovering historical truths.
- The contrast between Victorian repression and modern openness in relationships.
- The power of letters and literature to bridge time and reveal hidden emotions.
- The rivalry between academics over ownership of historical narratives.
- The blurred lines between biography, fiction, and the unknowable past.
Who should read this book?
- Fans of literary fiction with rich historical and poetic layers.
- Readers who enjoy dual timelines connecting past and present.
- Those interested in academia, Victorian literature, or epistolary storytelling.
- Anyone who appreciates intricate prose and intellectual mysteries.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Possession (Film) | Starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Aaron Eckhart; condenses the novel’s plot. |
| 2012 | BBC Radio 4 Drama | Full-cast adaptation focusing on the letters. |