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harpweaving's review against another edition
5.0
I started this book in the spring, then took a long break from it. I was too distracted, and found myself losing the thread. When I picked it up again yesterday, I wasn't sure if I would be able to find my way into it again; but I slid right in, as though I hadn't not read it in two months. The whole thing in fact felt much more real and immediate than it had before.
This is a strange book, and not quite as strong as To The Lighthouse or Mrs Dalloway. But the tide of words draws you in almost even more powerfully than in those books, though perhaps you're more confused as to where you're going. At the same time I was surprised by how many points of reference I recognized throughout the novel, which gave a comforting, familiar feel to it. Most of all the strong shades of "Howards End" that I felt towards the end, which made me very happy. "Orts, scraps, and fragments!" "Unity -- Dispersity!"
This is a strange book, and not quite as strong as To The Lighthouse or Mrs Dalloway. But the tide of words draws you in almost even more powerfully than in those books, though perhaps you're more confused as to where you're going. At the same time I was surprised by how many points of reference I recognized throughout the novel, which gave a comforting, familiar feel to it. Most of all the strong shades of "Howards End" that I felt towards the end, which made me very happy. "Orts, scraps, and fragments!" "Unity -- Dispersity!"
elizabthgreene's review against another edition
oh :( seems so sorrowful about the state of art & audience. the beauty in human connection written about in Lighthouse has advanced into something more pessimistic (what with the war and all perhaps?) also the swapping between characters/perspectives is like sleight of hand, and I eventually mostly gave up and let it wash over me
trisha_thomas's review
1.0
Books are the mirrors of the soul.
I know that people love [a:Virginia Woolf|6765|Virginia Woolf|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1419596619p2/6765.jpg]. There are fan clubs, book clubs and tea parties that, I'm sure, devote countless hours to admiring her. I know that there are numerous years of college courses and dissertations all about her as well.
I also know that I will never be sent an invitation to any of these parties.
Her stream-of-consciousness writing just...it isn't for me. Our intro is just a huge cast of characters we fleetingly jump in and out of their thoughts and round and round the room we go. There's awkward ramblings of love and hate and distrust and wonders about everyone's motive. There are preparations for a play but also a lengthy few pages about whether the fish for lunch will be fresh 100 miles (or is it 35 miles?) from the sea.
I'm glad it was short.
I know that people love [a:Virginia Woolf|6765|Virginia Woolf|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1419596619p2/6765.jpg]. There are fan clubs, book clubs and tea parties that, I'm sure, devote countless hours to admiring her. I know that there are numerous years of college courses and dissertations all about her as well.
I also know that I will never be sent an invitation to any of these parties.
Her stream-of-consciousness writing just...it isn't for me. Our intro is just a huge cast of characters we fleetingly jump in and out of their thoughts and round and round the room we go. There's awkward ramblings of love and hate and distrust and wonders about everyone's motive. There are preparations for a play but also a lengthy few pages about whether the fish for lunch will be fresh 100 miles (or is it 35 miles?) from the sea.
I'm glad it was short.
isabella_reads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
amythereaderxyz's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kellyoneill's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0