The Possession of Delia Sutherland

by Barbara Neil

Written with the exquisite attention to detail that distinguishes the best British writing, Barbara Neil's compelling, touching tale beautifully describes a woman transformed by a second chance; combining the richness of scene and character of E.M. Forster with the romance and passion of Jean Rhys.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Carol]

An odd book which I picked up in a charity shop. Fine writing & an unusual story. Faded-aristocracy, laconic servants & country manners; this story has them all plus an unexpected shift which didn't altogether work for me. It was Delia's relationship with her dead husband that intrigued me far more than the strange one she develops with his illegitimate son who usurps her as inheritor of her childhood home, Sleet, & turns up to claim it. Inarticulate & emotionally inhibited, Delia makes for a fairly interesting study but eventually, her reticence wears thin & my attention faded...

[Molly]

Good writing, Delia is a fascinating character. I find the switching between first and third person interesting. I enjoyed how the complex emotions about her husband are addressed before and after his death.

[Sally Edwards]

I became possessed by Delia's character, as remote as she was. A searching, patiently written story with some poignantly funny moments that made me hoot in the gloom!
Unforgettable.

[Dianna]

The story had me going for a bit about love gained, lost and later realized, but then towards the end she becomes her step-son's lover. Pretty much ruined it for me.

[Windy]

As Delia reflects on her lifr this flits between first and third person narrative which adds to the ethereal feel of the story.