The Virgin in the Garden by A. S. Byatt
Set in 1953, during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the novel explores the life of a highly intelligent young woman, Frederica Potter, who aspires to attend the University of Cambridge. The narrative follows her struggles with the societal norms of post-war England, her family's expectations, and her own intellectual and emotional growth. Interwoven with Frederica's story is a parallel narrative about a theatrical production celebrating the coronation, which serves as a metaphor for the cultural and social changes occurring in England at the time.
The 1639th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1978
- Nationality
- British
- Type
- Fiction
- Pages
- 424
- Words
- 203,000
- Original Language
- English
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This book is on the following lists:
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)