In A.S. Byatt's book "Possession," the author explores the complexities of truth and ownership through the lens of Sir Thomas Browne's insightful quote. Browne reflects on the idea that a person can genuinely hold the truth, akin to owning a city, yet still face the inevitability of losing it. This signifies that possession of knowledge or truth can be fragile and subject to external pressures, suggesting that even the most tenacious claims may not withstand the test of time or circumstance.

Byatt's narrative weaves together themes of literary discovery, personal relationships, and the quest for understanding, demonstrating how characters grapple with their own truths. The surrendering of truth, as implied by Browne, serves as a reminder of the vulnerability inherent in knowledge and the struggles individuals face in maintaining their beliefs amidst challenges. Ultimately, "Possession" delves into the tension between the desire for personal truth and the reality of its potential loss.