"Possession" is far above and beyond the kind of books usually labelled "romance" -- most of those are just sleazy fantasy fodder. 
 Instead, A.S. Byatt's magnum opus is a tantalizing ode to both art and romantic love, without being too obvious about either one -- it's lushly written, with exquisite characters, great poetry and interweavings of legend and myth. In fact, it's almost the opposite of typical romance, almost chastely erotic, mysterious and dripping over with what simmers under Victorian repression. 
 A young scholar, Roland, stumbles accidently on an old letter from acclaimed poet Randolph Ash. He soon has reason to believe that the letter was to Christabel La Monte, a lesser-known "fairy" poet -- except Ash was happily married, and La Monte was single all her life. Roland and the chilly fellow scholar Maud investigate caches of hidden letters, poems, and diaries by the lovers, wife, friends and relatives. 
 In the past, the cordial letters of Christabel and Randolph blossomed into love and passion. They vanished for a short, blissful time together. But what happened to Christabel and Randolph's love, and why did Christabel leave England, while her lesbian companion Blanche committed suicide? And how do these events somehow involve Roland and Maude's own growing attachment? 
 They say the pen is mightier than the sword, and in "Possession" it's a valuable historical tool. When words are hidden or read, it can change perceptions, attitudes and even lives. Byatt's own words are wonderfully lush, dreamy and vivid -- given the rather formal language and writing, it almost seems like a nineteenth-century novel, as if Byatt got so swept up in the characters that she started writing like them. 
 In fact, Byatt has an excellent eye for the language of the era, crafting letters, poetry and fiction that have a very authentic feel. Byatt even manages to change style for different people's writing (Christabel's poetry was a bit reminiscent of Emily Dickenson's). The only problem is when the book veers into long tangents; Byatt seems to get a little off-track at times. But most of the time, the richness of Breton legend adds depth and mystery to an already beautiful novel. The sunken city of Is, the legend of Melusina, and many others are here. 
 Byatt gives us an amazing look at the ill-fated lovers, Christabel and Randolph; you can feel their passion and love. They aren't just attracted to each other, but drawn together in the mind and spirit. The supporting characters, such as the artist Blanche and devoted, wistful Ellen Ash, are equally well-drawn; you can't dislike any of them. Roland and Maud seem a little anemic by comparison, but they are still compelling characters, caught up in a love affair from over a hundred years ago. 
 "Possession" is the kind of genuine, heartwrenching romance that you don't see much of -- meetings of minds, genuine passion and love. It's a beautiful thing, and something to be deeply treasured.