The other night I signed off early to crawl into bed and snuggle up with a good book. I ran my fingers over Salt: A World History, Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing, and Lies My Teacher Told Me, all of which I am in the middle of reading. It would be a nice feeling to finish a book.
Except, none of those were what I was needing. They were either too silly, or too clinical. I didn’t want history, I didn’t want chick-lit. I wanted to float lazily in a river of words that would rush around me, almost to the point where I feel overwhelmed. And who better to accomplish this than Virgina Woolf?
The Hours has long been on my list of top 10 favorite movies, and I instinctively knew that my little heart would love the book even more.
Have you read Virgina Woolf? It’s an experience unlike almost anything else. If I were to film a commercial for one of her books, for this one in particular, it would begin on a crowded London street. Shoppers, motorcars, men, women and children would be zooming past the camera. The viewer would almost feel overcome by the intensity of the sights and sounds on the screen. The camera would move quickly from one individual to another, giving a quick glimpse into their mind. Just as you start to connect with that person, the shot would move to the right, to another passerby.
And then suddenly, everything would slow. The crowd would part slowly and Mrs. Dalloway would be seen, with the sun shining on her face. She would be holding her flowers, the new gloves she has purchased, and we would hear her questioning herself, her ability to host her party (although you as a viewer would understand that questioning her hostess abilities isn’t all she is doing). And then suddenly, it would all start back up again. The sights and sounds would once again overwhelm you. The pattern would repeat over, and over.
That is what reading Virginia Wool is like for me, and I revel in the experience. Are you a Virgina Woolf fan?
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April 8th, 2009 on 5:35 am
I read her biography, but I haven’t actually read any of her books. Strange order right? I’ve been meaning to, but that description gives me a headache. I’m a little worried to start a book now, but with your reminder, I’m going to have to try! Would you recommend this one go first?
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Jenna Reply:
April 8th, 2009 at 5:40 am
I would say, start with either Mrs. Dalloway or A Room of One’s Own. I would read up on her writing style, called stream of consciousness before you try though, it might help you understand her work a little bit better!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stream_of_consciousness_(narrative_mode)
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April 8th, 2009 on 6:09 am
I have never read any of her books, nor seen any movies, but you make me want to! Thank you for this wonderful description!
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April 8th, 2009 on 6:40 am
Only an English major would describe Virginia Woolf as “chick lit.” LOL! You’re so cute, Jenna!
I’ve read several of Virginia Woolf’s novels, and to be honest, they’re not my cup of tea. I think she’s hugely talented and a beautiful writer… but she’s not my favorite.
Strangely enough, I LOVED The Hours (both the book and the movie). But just to clarify, The Hours is by Michael Cunningham, not Virginia Woolf.
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April 8th, 2009 on 8:46 am
My sister and I read this book outloud together sitting in a tree overlooking the water in the Lake District in England. How can I not love this book with a memory like that?
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April 8th, 2009 on 9:40 am
Huge fan! “…this was what she loved; life; London; this moment in June.”
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April 8th, 2009 on 4:09 pm
Jenna! What a perfect description! I love Virginia Woolf so much. To The Lighthouse has to be my favorite but A Room of One’s Own was the first of her’s I read and it really impacted me and my thinking. Shakespeare having a sister! Oh that opened my eyes! Thanks for the post, it made me miss British Novel sitting behind you while you looked at wedding websites!
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Jenna Reply:
April 8th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
And you probably thought I was never paying attention
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April 8th, 2009 on 9:09 pm
love mrs. dalloway. such a great book and the hours was pretty amazing too.
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April 11th, 2009 on 11:59 am
Virginia Woolf is nothing short of amazing. Her narratives are often stream of consciousness and at first you aren’t sure if it works but at the novel unfolds you learn to trust her. If you haven’t read A Room of One’s Own.
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April 15th, 2009 on 1:47 am
Can’t wait to read some of her work. Gonna add it to my GoodReads list so I don’t forget. Thanks for the recommendation!
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