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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
"What is the meaning of life? That was all - a simple question; one that tended to close in on one with years.
The great revelation had never come. The great revelation perhaps never did come. Instead there were little daily miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in the dark; here was one."
This book was a challenge - one that requires a good deal of attention and patience. If you give it the chance it deserves though, you’ll be left in awe of Virginia Woolf’s ability to so adeptly capture the internal conversations, contradictions, and nuances we experience within ourselves - complexities that, despite our best efforts, prevent us from experiencing anything beyond a fleeting glimpse into someone else’s own existence and perspective.
Woolf portrayed this inescapable tragedy in an effective visual manner: she seems to suggest that, at best, we can hope to be the waves that briefly crash upon someone else’s island, or the lighthouse, whose beam briefly illuminates beaches and families’ summer homes before swinging its light onward. It’s those brief moments - those “matches struck unexpectedly in the dark” - that give life meaning, even as we watch them slip from the present into the past.
The great revelation had never come. The great revelation perhaps never did come. Instead there were little daily miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in the dark; here was one."
This book was a challenge - one that requires a good deal of attention and patience. If you give it the chance it deserves though, you’ll be left in awe of Virginia Woolf’s ability to so adeptly capture the internal conversations, contradictions, and nuances we experience within ourselves - complexities that, despite our best efforts, prevent us from experiencing anything beyond a fleeting glimpse into someone else’s own existence and perspective.
Woolf portrayed this inescapable tragedy in an effective visual manner: she seems to suggest that, at best, we can hope to be the waves that briefly crash upon someone else’s island, or the lighthouse, whose beam briefly illuminates beaches and families’ summer homes before swinging its light onward. It’s those brief moments - those “matches struck unexpectedly in the dark” - that give life meaning, even as we watch them slip from the present into the past.
I am in no way qualified to comment on this brilliant book. It also deserves more than one or two reads. I started this as an audiobook - that felt like cheating so I switched to the physical book. You probably need both - the audiobook conveys the prose poetry of the book.
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I believe the last few chapters which focus on Lily Briscoe’s mind make up for all of this book’s shortcomings, of which there are relatively few. I like the way that Virginia Woolf examines thoughts and how they work and their layers.
I otherwise read the book as an exploration of one’s desires after being wronged and how the fulfillment of those desires plays out. Also seems to be a sad reflection on acquiescence??? Bet it felt good to write, though.
I otherwise read the book as an exploration of one’s desires after being wronged and how the fulfillment of those desires plays out. Also seems to be a sad reflection on acquiescence??? Bet it felt good to write, though.
reflective
slow-paced
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Probably would have loved this book if I understood what I was reading lmao