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shuuuuu's review against another edition
challenging
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The book does rambles and is hard to follow exactly what is happening in many instances. Despite that, I mostly enjoyed this read. There were many perfectly put together sentences which I only wish after finishing the book that I should have highlighted for future reference. Woolf plays the part of the fanatic and flawed narrator/biographer well and the book felt light hearted and still every few paragraphs it will hit right on the nose to describe a particular social or personal aspect that feels very relatable or insightful. I enjoyed the devotion to the wonder of nature, the reflection on the fluidity of ones gender and identity, and the flaws of romanticizing people who are perceived as geniuses and trying to force insight and intelligence in yourself.
Minor: Racial slurs
neens_m's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Moderate: Racial slurs
Minor: Death
rey_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
5.0
incredible!
am absolutely fascinated by this reminder of what literature can be!! one i will definitely return to.
encompasses so much history & explorations of love, gender, sexuality, and what it means to write.
it felt a lot more coherent than my memory of mrs dalloway & i’m v curious whether this is just bc woolf’s writing translates more clearly to spoken word or if the books read very differently.
also! very surprisingly woolf touches on some sentiments very similar to buddhist philosophy, especially towards the end, about which i have nothing intelligent to say, but thought was interesting anyway.
overall, stunning!
am absolutely fascinated by this reminder of what literature can be!! one i will definitely return to.
encompasses so much history & explorations of love, gender, sexuality, and what it means to write.
it felt a lot more coherent than my memory of mrs dalloway & i’m v curious whether this is just bc woolf’s writing translates more clearly to spoken word or if the books read very differently.
also! very surprisingly woolf touches on some sentiments very similar to buddhist philosophy, especially towards the end, about which i have nothing intelligent to say, but thought was interesting anyway.
overall, stunning!
Graphic: Racial slurs
leer_amor's review against another edition
It was really racist. Did not expect that from Virginia Woolf and Im extremely disappointed. Ive always loved her prose and the lyrical way she writes but this was such a diversion from that. This book is scene as a queer classic but the extent of the racism was disgusting and it does not at all read like Woolf’s other novels. She was one of my favorite classic authors and now I feel like I have to reconsider my estimation of her and her works.
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
beaunort0n's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
found it a bit hard to follow, but tbh i enjoy just getting lost in woolf's language. if only transitioning was as effortless for everyone else as it is for orlando!
Minor: Racial slurs
sashameyer's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Racial slurs
notyourvegetable's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Racial slurs
kirjakimalainen's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
bookish_5280's review against another edition
5.0
WOW WOW WOW I need all of my friends to read thissssssss
God I just adore how Woolf writes! Next read: Love Letters -- Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West :)
On a more serious note, I think the fact that this book was published and became popular in Virginia Woolf's lifetime is incredible. There's so much experimentation with the fluidity of gender and sexuality, and the fact that it is written to naturally lends its progressive aspects even more strength. As a queer person, I found this narrative to be unequivocally freeing. Of course, Virginia Woolf's style is unique and experimental and thoughful as always :).
God I just adore how Woolf writes! Next read: Love Letters -- Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West :)
On a more serious note, I think the fact that this book was published and became popular in Virginia Woolf's lifetime is incredible. There's so much experimentation with the fluidity of gender and sexuality, and the fact that it is written to naturally lends its progressive aspects even more strength. As a queer person, I found this narrative to be unequivocally freeing. Of course, Virginia Woolf's style is unique and experimental and thoughful as always :).
Minor: Racial slurs
melliedm's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moments of utter brilliance mixed in with a humour that must have appealed to the time, but which struggles to age with the same dignity as it’s gender themes.
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism