I have only read "Morpho Eugenia" and the initial few pages of "The Conjugial Angel". The writing in these works is truly flawless, with no errors or imperfections to be found. However, when it comes to the format and subject matter, they simply did not appeal to my personal tastes.

I am quite certain that the extensive observations within the books that deviate from the human action are abundant with symbolism. These symbolic elements are likely to hold deep meanings and interpretations.

Nevertheless, despite being aware of this, I found myself not really caring. It seems that these books are written in a style and with a subject matter that is more suited to be taught and examined in an academic or literary context, rather than simply read for pleasure.

They require a more in-depth analysis and study to fully appreciate and understand the complex ideas and themes that they present.

is a captivating novella written by A.S. Byatt in 1992. Named after a beautiful Neotropical butterfly from French Guiana, it tells the story of Victorian naturalist William Adamson. After losing his possessions and most of his insect specimens in a shipwreck, he returns to England and is taken in by wealthy sponsor Sir Harald Alabaster. William falls in love with Eugenia, the eldest of the Alabaster daughters, despite their class differences. He fulfills a promise by setting free a cloud of butterflies around her in the conservatory. However, their marriage is not without problems. Eugenia proves to be passionate in bed but bears children prolifically, like an Ant Queen, which restricts William's freedom. He also discovers the incestuous secret of the Alabaster family with the help of Matty Crompton. The novella is an ingenious postmodern work, incorporating mock Victorian texts, philosophy, and science. It draws a sustained analogy between human and insect communities. In contrast, the reviewer didn't like the other story in the book, 'The Conjugial Angel'. Overall, the reviewer gives 4 points only for .

Byatt's writing is masterful in making people resemble insects and behave like them while still remaining human. The detailed descriptions of the natural world, especially the ants and butterflies, add depth and authenticity to the story. The exploration of themes such as class, love, and family in a Victorian setting is both engaging and thought-provoking. The novella challenges the traditional "happy ever after" ending and presents a more realistic and complex view of life.

The reviewer's blog at https://adblankestijn.blogspot.com/ provides more insights and reviews.

**Abandonato**

Antonia S. Byatt is one of the finest contemporary authors who dares to write novels set in the Victorian era. Those who read her without any knowledge of her age could, with a good approximation, place her alongside one of the Brontës or Austen. And Byatt writes magnificently, I must say, with a rare expressiveness. However, of the two stories that make up this book, I have only read the first, which is truly very beautiful but extremely difficult to finish. Because on the excellent narrative invention, in an exasperating way, the part of entomology takes over. It is a part that is functional to the story but becomes almost a treatise within the narrative about the life of some social insects - ants and bees - and their affinity with the human species. It is all very interesting if only it were administered in the right dose. If I were preparing for an agriculture exam, perhaps, but certainly not when I am engaged in reading a novel. The difficulty of reading, combined with a difficult period in which for various reasons I cannot find the right concentration, has not made me feel either the desire or, above all, the duty to continue with the second story. For this reason, two stars, but reluctantly because her most famous novel, *Possession*, was of remarkable beauty and originality for me.

It should be noted that, Byatt's works often explore complex themes and use rich language and detailed descriptions. This can make her books both challenging and rewarding to read.

Despite the difficulties I had with this particular collection, I still appreciate Byatt's talent and the unique perspectives she brings to her writing.

I look forward to exploring more of her works in the future and seeing how her writing evolves.

Clever and interesting stories await, filled with unexpected plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. However, the in-depth explorations of the intellectual debates of the Victorian Era seem to slow the pace to a near crawl.

The poetic insertions, while perhaps beautiful in their own right, add very little to the actual plot and only serve to delay things further.

The first story delves into the study of insects and the profound impact of Darwinism on both science and theology. It is juxtaposed with the tale of a young suitor, a wealthy family, and all the drama that unfolds when these two elements are combined.

The second story, on the other hand, focuses not so much on angels as on ghosts and the afterlife. Seances take center stage, interspersed with the characters' musings before and after these spiritual encounters. They reflect on past experiences that have led them to this current quest for encounters with the spiritual realm.

Byatt neatly wraps up each of the stories, and I do appreciate a happy or at least satisfying ending. However, I have recently realized that I am very plot-driven. As a result, the metaphors, poetic overtures, and philosophical discourses feel more like a burden than an enlightening detour to the overarching narrative. Each story could have benefited from 30 to 50 pages of careful editing. Nevertheless, those with an interest in the pressing topics of the Victorian Era will likely find enjoyment in these tales.