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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
Three Guineas is the other half of the novel-essay conceived by Virginia Woolf that ultimately split apart into a novel (The Years) and an essay-length book (Three Guineas). Here Woolf charmingly responds to the honorary treasurer of an anti-war organization who wants her to donate to and join their cause. Before sending him her guinea, though Woolf explores how she, as an "educated man's daughter" could most effectively help the pacifist cause while also mulling over requests from two other honorary treasurers raising money for women's education and for support in women entering the professions. Backed up by numerous quotations from newspapers, biographies, and diaries/letters, Woolf weaves a compelling, logical, and witty response to her requestors. Written on the brink of World War II, and mere decades after British women had won the right to vote, to get an education, and to enter the professions, the arguments feel like more than just an intellectual exercise -- there is really something at stake here. Often seen as a companion piece to A Room of One's Own, Woolf's take-down of the patriarchy and her understanding of its impact on the lives of women continue to feel fresh and vibrant. She also gives David Foster Wallace a run for his money in the funny footnote department.
Obviously an extremely intelligent, well-written piece, but not as engaging or accessible as A Room of One's Own. It took me a lot longer to get through it just because it was so involved and went down lots of rabbit holes to tie everything together in a really meaningful way. Which she does quite brilliantly, mind you. An important read, but not the funnest. Especially for people who use words like "funnest".
I haven't heard about this book till I bought my copy of 'A Room of One's Own' which happened to be joined with the 'Three Guineas'. Luckily for me! I must admit not liking the 'Room' very much. The originally unintended addition however interested me much more! Woolf's writing style in general is unfortunately not my cup of tea, but in this case I did not mind much. The message seemed to be much more important and clearer here than her tendency to talk around.
i just love how she talks about all the aspects referring to how women can affect war
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
this is an incredibly important work that explains whats been called a "marxist pacifist feminist manifesto" before but which cannot be fit into such a small essentializing phrase, not even close