kristykay22 's review for:

Three Guineas by Virginia Woolf

4.0

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Three Guineas is the other half of the novel-essay conceived by Virginia Woolf that ultimately split apart into a novel (The Years) and an essay-length book (Three Guineas). Here Woolf charmingly responds to the honorary treasurer of an anti-war organization who wants her to donate to and join their cause. Before sending him her guinea, though Woolf explores how she, as an "educated man's daughter" could most effectively help the pacifist cause while also mulling over requests from two other honorary treasurers raising money for women's education and for support in women entering the professions. Backed up by numerous quotations from newspapers, biographies, and diaries/letters, Woolf weaves a compelling, logical, and witty response to her requestors. Written on the brink of World War II, and mere decades after British women had won the right to vote, to get an education, and to enter the professions, the arguments feel like more than just an intellectual exercise -- there is really something at stake here. Often seen as a companion piece to A Room of One's Own, Woolf's take-down of the patriarchy and her understanding of its impact on the lives of women continue to feel fresh and vibrant. She also gives David Foster Wallace a run for his money in the funny footnote department.