16 Comments
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Grace Jeschke's avatar

I’m really looking forward to slow-reading Possession! And The Railway Children is probably the first chapter book I read all on my own, and many happy returns. I read another Nesbit novel and fairy tales were a staple. So, naturally, I’m intrigued … 📚

Simon Haisell's avatar

Excellent, I think you might find The Children's Book very interesting then!

Caroline Donahue's avatar

You're definitely going to have to join both slow reads then, Grace. Exciting!

Nicola's avatar

Going off on a tangent here maybe but I loved The Railway Children, so much so that if I’d ever had a daughter I would have called her Roberta/Bobby. Thanks for reminding me, Grace. 🙏🏼

elizabeth graham madden's avatar

Will you and Simon Haisell be reading/commenting on Possession in tandem?

Caroline Donahue's avatar

Simon does not currently plan to offer Possession as a slow read — I am running it on my own here on Book (& Craft) Alchemy and Simon will offer The Children’s Book, also by Byatt, in 2026.

Simon has a full plate with his own slow reads running through 2025, so is sadly not able to participate in offering Possession here, although it would be a joy to have him.

Anne Thomas's avatar

Ooh plot twist!

Anne Thomas's avatar

(Re Simon’s planned reads!)

Simon Haisell's avatar

Love a plot twist.

Caroline Donahue's avatar

Keep em guessing! So mysterious…

Anne Thomas's avatar

So should I read Possession this year after all?

Caroline Donahue's avatar

We’d LOVE to have you with us, Anne, but I know Simon is a very tough act for me

to follow. 🥰

Simon Haisell's avatar

Not at all. Everyone brings something different to these things, host and readers alike, and it's that personal touch that makes it special!

Caroline Donahue's avatar

Very true! And the more reading love the better, I think. 🥰

Anne Thomas's avatar

I very well might join if I can manage it alongside my other readalongs!

Simon Haisell's avatar

Looks that way, and here's a read-along for company! I may do it in a future year… we will have to see!