Reviews

Night and Day by Virginia Woolf

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andforgotten's review against another edition

4.0

Though this is, in many ways, quite different to Virginia's later works, I adored the subtle characterization and the language which was, as always, so very beautiful. Plot wise it's a fairly simple love story, but Virginia's words just make it transcend such easy categorization.

barbiealsmalerin's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

piag's review against another edition

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funny reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

thestoryofaz's review against another edition

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reflective

5.0

although not uniquely Virginia-esque, it is a 5/5 book and do not let anyone tell you otherwise.

martydah's review against another edition

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3.0

This is Woolf's second novel and it's apparent that she's still perfecting the stream of consciousness approach she uses so effectively in her later work. Night and Day is an illustration of the difficulties a young woman faces in finding what she really wants in a relationship in an era that still expects very restrictive conventional behavior. Katharine Hilbery struggles with her engagement to a man whom is a very suitable match, but she can't manage to feel anything for him but mild friendship. The man she really loves (but doesn't quite know it yet) is Ralph Denham, a young barrister. The book follows the painful, twisting progress of the three young people's journey toward at least a partial understanding of what they really want out of life, marriage and each other.

This book had really absorbing moments and then there would be long passages where it was a struggle to maintain interest. I think that it's a good book to read if you have plenty of uninterrupted time and haven't already read Woolf's later novels. I liked it, so maybe it will be one of those difficult books that grows on a person after the first one or two readings.

blanka94's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

3.5

corvuscorax's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

There is much to be said about the brilliant wit of this book, but stylistically it falls short of her other works. Still, it is an interesting read if you want to get a more accurate picture of her oeuvre, and I found it incredible enjoyable. Her usual sharp analysis and the occasional glimmers of the innovation-to-come make it more than worth your time. Can't beat some good ole' Woolf.