You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
110 reviews for:
A Writer's Diary: Being Extracts from the Diary of Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf, Lyndall Gordon, Leonard Woolf
4.17 AVERAGE
110 reviews for:
A Writer's Diary: Being Extracts from the Diary of Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf, Lyndall Gordon, Leonard Woolf
4.17 AVERAGE
Extracts from Virginia Woolf's diaries, selected by her husband Leonard Woolf. The extracts deal with her reading and writing, and describe the progress of her novels and other works in the period from 1919 to 1941, when she died. Why is it that I often find diaries and biographies of writers so much more interesting than the books they write? Certainly the case with V. Woolf. I tried reading her [b:Jacob's room|225396|Jacob's Room|Virginia Woolf|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388466257s/225396.jpg|3272732], but gave up after a few chapters. I did manage to findish [b:The Waves|46114|The Waves|Virginia Woolf|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1385233847s/46114.jpg|6057263] though.
Argh, the inadequacy of the stars! One star is missing only for all the people and events that went over my head (rather that I let pass by). But even at her most informal (or especially?), Woolf is striking. The last year (1940-1941; the war) is affecting enough to balance out that last stretch of the diaries that is not as concerned with writing as the preceding. The brevity and casualness of her "notes" and the repetition of her anguish and fear and anxiety with every book are somehow warming to me.
I didn't enjoy A Room of One's Own when I read it some months ago, which made me reluctant about Woolf. I only picked up this book from the library when I happened across a writer-blogger (whom I otherwise don't know) refer to it as a book she keeps on hand to refer to in times of inspiration-need. It shows every sign of becoming the same for me -- it's helped to push me forward on some writing projects. I plan to buy a copy of my own and may even underline some passages and write comments in the margins -- and I never do that! From here I'd like to read her essays (I started with "How Should One Read a Book?" this evening) and her novels (To the Lighthouse to start, I think).
I didn't enjoy A Room of One's Own when I read it some months ago, which made me reluctant about Woolf. I only picked up this book from the library when I happened across a writer-blogger (whom I otherwise don't know) refer to it as a book she keeps on hand to refer to in times of inspiration-need. It shows every sign of becoming the same for me -- it's helped to push me forward on some writing projects. I plan to buy a copy of my own and may even underline some passages and write comments in the margins -- and I never do that! From here I'd like to read her essays (I started with "How Should One Read a Book?" this evening) and her novels (To the Lighthouse to start, I think).
I read chunks of this as part of my further research for the extended essay. I feel that this is the start of me reading author diaries when available. As I continue to get invested in different authors and their bodies of work, I find it quite curious to read their work in different text types, mediums and genres as different facets of their voice really shine through. in diaries their worries, thoughts and general state of mind during different times in their lives (very important to note that incredibly valuable to me is to connect this to what they are writing at the time) is truly enriching and eye opening!!
With this bind up of Woolf’s diaries I have understood with more clarity just how connected she was to her creative process and how she perceived the world. I feel even more infatuated by her passion and poetic prose.
With this bind up of Woolf’s diaries I have understood with more clarity just how connected she was to her creative process and how she perceived the world. I feel even more infatuated by her passion and poetic prose.
"I enjoy almost everything. Yet I have some restless searcher in me. Why is there not a discovery in life? Something one can lay hands on and say “This is it”? My depression is a harassed feeling. I’m looking: but that’s not it — that’s not it. What is it? And shall I die before I find it?”
What can I say to a person's diary which consist of something so raw and honest.
I only have read one of Virginia Woolf' writing which is Orlando, so I think when I finish reading all her collections of her books will I reread this again then I can full experience her journey in her writings.
In the beginning, most of her entry was mainly focus on her worries of her writings.
But after awhile, she states wondering why is she writing in her diary very literature, which then changes her entry where she writes about her relation with people, critics, L, her journey as a writer and her battle with depression.
She was really tough on herself with her writing.
I don't know if I could say she is a perfectionist, but through her entries, I felt like she is never satisfied with her works.
In the beginning, her works was so tight.
She was writing this, and then already planning ahead on the things she needs to write.
In addition, she really took heart to people who review her works.
Even if L said her works were good, she is still skeptical if it is really.
Even though she don't write alot on her relationship with L.
You can tell L loves her.
His advices, he was honest on which works of hers is good and telling honestly what is not good.
I feel like L was the one who kept her sane or in the lane when she is drifting slightly.
But sadly, we all know depression got over her.
I definitely want to read more of her works. Because I felt through her entries, she says how some of the books were not her writing style.
I would like to see myself different books written how it differ from each other.
And maybe one day, I reread this and totally understand fully on her journey.
“My mind turned by anxiety, or other cause, from its scrutiny of blank paper, is like a lost child–wandering the house, sitting on the bottom step to cry.”
What can I say to a person's diary which consist of something so raw and honest.
I only have read one of Virginia Woolf' writing which is Orlando, so I think when I finish reading all her collections of her books will I reread this again then I can full experience her journey in her writings.
In the beginning, most of her entry was mainly focus on her worries of her writings.
But after awhile, she states wondering why is she writing in her diary very literature, which then changes her entry where she writes about her relation with people, critics, L, her journey as a writer and her battle with depression.
She was really tough on herself with her writing.
I don't know if I could say she is a perfectionist, but through her entries, I felt like she is never satisfied with her works.
In the beginning, her works was so tight.
She was writing this, and then already planning ahead on the things she needs to write.
In addition, she really took heart to people who review her works.
Even if L said her works were good, she is still skeptical if it is really.
Even though she don't write alot on her relationship with L.
You can tell L loves her.
His advices, he was honest on which works of hers is good and telling honestly what is not good.
I feel like L was the one who kept her sane or in the lane when she is drifting slightly.
But sadly, we all know depression got over her.
I definitely want to read more of her works. Because I felt through her entries, she says how some of the books were not her writing style.
I would like to see myself different books written how it differ from each other.
And maybe one day, I reread this and totally understand fully on her journey.
“My mind turned by anxiety, or other cause, from its scrutiny of blank paper, is like a lost child–wandering the house, sitting on the bottom step to cry.”
"I think I could happily live here and read forever"
When I say I cried reading this...
When I say I cried reading this...
slow-paced
Stunning; an incredible insight into a beautiful mind.
reflective
medium-paced