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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
Love the IDGAF Im eighty eight Im retired from life and so I'm going to a countryside cottage to die vibes. Honestly, wish it was me, but it gets really boring.
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5*
'Yes, that was youth, hesitant as one upon an unknown threshold, yet ready to run her breast against a spear'
All Passion Spent follows Lady Slane and a cast of eccentric characters in the aftermath of her husband's death, when, much to the surprise of all, Lady Slane chooses to live life on her own terms and reflect on her life and the passions of her youth in peace. However, life is not quite over for her yet, and she makes new bonds / friendships that allow her to finally be herself and live a fulfilled final season of life.
I absolutely adored Vita's writing style and characterisations and there are some really beautiful passages in here about dreams, youth and quiet longing for another life. Despite this, the exploration of old age and youth didn't really grab me. I am personally riddled with anxieties about the finite nature of my own youth and the paths I didn’t take so I felt there was potential for this book to completely immobilise me, and yet I could not feel the protagonist's pain. I also found it slightly hilarious that she is mourning her lost artistic career when she never actually painted anything? Although I suppose it is really more about her gender impeaching on the possibility of even attempting a career or life lived for herself.
However, perhaps I am just not the right audience as at this stage of my life I simply cannot relate to the perspective of a woman who just wants to settle and rest and do nothing, it is completely at odds with my every ambition and need.
But then again, Lady Slane has a very singular experience of age as whilst she is not rich, she was married to a former Prime Minister and has never had to work a day in her life. I think the reflections of a working class woman would be very different and possibly more widely representative, although they may not even have the privilege of a quiet life of contemplation in their final years.
'Yes, that was youth, hesitant as one upon an unknown threshold, yet ready to run her breast against a spear'
All Passion Spent follows Lady Slane and a cast of eccentric characters in the aftermath of her husband's death, when, much to the surprise of all, Lady Slane chooses to live life on her own terms and reflect on her life and the passions of her youth in peace. However, life is not quite over for her yet, and she makes new bonds / friendships that allow her to finally be herself and live a fulfilled final season of life.
I absolutely adored Vita's writing style and characterisations and there are some really beautiful passages in here about dreams, youth and quiet longing for another life. Despite this, the exploration of old age and youth didn't really grab me. I am personally riddled with anxieties about the finite nature of my own youth and the paths I didn’t take so I felt there was potential for this book to completely immobilise me, and yet I could not feel the protagonist's pain. I also found it slightly hilarious that she is mourning her lost artistic career when she never actually painted anything? Although I suppose it is really more about her gender impeaching on the possibility of even attempting a career or life lived for herself.
However, perhaps I am just not the right audience as at this stage of my life I simply cannot relate to the perspective of a woman who just wants to settle and rest and do nothing, it is completely at odds with my every ambition and need.
But then again, Lady Slane has a very singular experience of age as whilst she is not rich, she was married to a former Prime Minister and has never had to work a day in her life. I think the reflections of a working class woman would be very different and possibly more widely representative, although they may not even have the privilege of a quiet life of contemplation in their final years.
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A frivolous critique of conventions. A comfort from meaning. Beautiful writing.
A classic, and rightfully so. Always nice to see the old getting revenge on the young.
challenging
funny
reflective
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:
Yes
reflective
fast-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
funny
lighthearted
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:
No