Scan barcode
alessandro_ajm's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
gardenfairyreads's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 stars
Although this book was at times dense and difficult to parse, I can certainly appreciate how masterfully Woolf wields her craft. It took me a very long time to complete this story, and I think I might someday benefit from a reread, especially as I feel that this is a book that is intended to stick with you for life as your understanding of it evolves along with your own personhood. From this first of what may be many readings of this book, I found myself particularly drawn to Lily Briscoe and her struggle with capturing the world through paintings, which is probably a commentary on the phase of life I'm in, but for now I'll just accept that this is a masterfully written work. I will say there was some pretty cringy descriptions of Lily Briscoe having "Chinese eyes" and that specifically being one of her physical flaws, which also somewhat detracted from my enjoyment of this book.
Although this book was at times dense and difficult to parse, I can certainly appreciate how masterfully Woolf wields her craft. It took me a very long time to complete this story, and I think I might someday benefit from a reread, especially as I feel that this is a book that is intended to stick with you for life as your understanding of it evolves along with your own personhood. From this first of what may be many readings of this book, I found myself particularly drawn to Lily Briscoe and her struggle with capturing the world through paintings, which is probably a commentary on the phase of life I'm in, but for now I'll just accept that this is a masterfully written work. I will say there was some pretty cringy descriptions of Lily Briscoe having "Chinese eyes" and that specifically being one of her physical flaws, which also somewhat detracted from my enjoyment of this book.
woolfy_vita's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
default's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really liked this book, but i can see why others may not. The story jumps back and forth between the cast of characters, making the plot, what little of it there is, kinda hard to follow at times, and the language Woolf uses doesn't help. Despite this, i found the book really compelling, and a really introspective read, exploring concepts of family, gender roles, and individuality. As someone who enjoys reading flowery, reflective, work, I think to the lighthouse is really well written, and so I can forgive its lack of plot.
heartsneedle's review against another edition
2.0
2/5
Gender, Family, Stream-of-Consciousness
“ It was getting late. The light in the garden told her that; and the whitening of the flowers and something grey in the leaves conspired together, to rouse in her a feeling of anxiety.”
Overall: To The Lighthouse is such a hazy reading experience. The narrative sequence jumps from character to character though the characters are vague, the dialogue and intermingled thoughts blur together violently leading to constant backtracking. I ended up not caring about any of the characters or the plot. The singular reality was disconnected even with her vibrant, intense imagery weaving themes together. I just couldn't care.
Gender, Family, Stream-of-Consciousness
“ It was getting late. The light in the garden told her that; and the whitening of the flowers and something grey in the leaves conspired together, to rouse in her a feeling of anxiety.”
Overall: To The Lighthouse is such a hazy reading experience. The narrative sequence jumps from character to character though the characters are vague, the dialogue and intermingled thoughts blur together violently leading to constant backtracking. I ended up not caring about any of the characters or the plot. The singular reality was disconnected even with her vibrant, intense imagery weaving themes together. I just couldn't care.
khornstein1's review against another edition
4.0
There is an episode of Mad Men where a series of characters step into Bert Cooper's office to look at a Rothko painting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrxxmuspoJM This is what this book reminded me of!
If someone were to write this book today, you would say, "Oh, she's trying to be arty! And make a statement about feminisim! And existentialism!" But remember when this was written: 1927. No one had ever written like this before.
So you may not love any of the characters. And you may not be sure what's going on half the time. But you need to realize: inner dialect, cutting from one time period to another and back again, the lack of any plot at all--these were devices that went on to become staples of the modern novel and even film.
And that is why we call this an "important" book!
If someone were to write this book today, you would say, "Oh, she's trying to be arty! And make a statement about feminisim! And existentialism!" But remember when this was written: 1927. No one had ever written like this before.
So you may not love any of the characters. And you may not be sure what's going on half the time. But you need to realize: inner dialect, cutting from one time period to another and back again, the lack of any plot at all--these were devices that went on to become staples of the modern novel and even film.
And that is why we call this an "important" book!