navgarcha's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
c_rewie6's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.25
ecosby's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
lisa61's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
uniskorn's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Michael Cunningham's writing is absolutely gorgeous. I read about really heavy topics and felt my heart ripped from my chest, but somehow the way he writes is like drinking apple cider at a funeral. Things are terrible now, but maybe one day they might be okay.
sgorr's review against another edition
5.0
I'm shocked by all the terribly negative reviews! Especially by those that seem to suggest that if you love Virginia Woolf, you should hate this book when, as someone who does indeed love Woolf, adores this book.
I think it's unfair to expect it to be either a match for Mrs. Dalloway or some chronicle of Woolf's entire life and all her works. That's not what it is and that's not the point.
Mrs. Dalloway is the thread that binds these women together. Perhaps that thread could have been "A Room of One's Own" but it's not. It's Dalloway.
The language was deliciously eloquent, Woolf's life brilliantly used and the women brought together so seamlessly. It was absolutely wonderful. Worth reading and reading over.
I think it's unfair to expect it to be either a match for Mrs. Dalloway or some chronicle of Woolf's entire life and all her works. That's not what it is and that's not the point.
Mrs. Dalloway is the thread that binds these women together. Perhaps that thread could have been "A Room of One's Own" but it's not. It's Dalloway.
The language was deliciously eloquent, Woolf's life brilliantly used and the women brought together so seamlessly. It was absolutely wonderful. Worth reading and reading over.
elliemcc11's review against another edition
3.0
I picked the winning book for my group's monthly read on the theme of prize winning books, and have to say I was a bit disappointed with my choice.
The novel tells the story of one day in the lives of three women, one being Virginia Woolf. Each chapter is another part of the one of three character's days. I probably most enjoyed Mrs Brown's story, the 1950s LA housewife. It's a period of history I enjoy anyway and I thought this section well read and not overly complicated. I wasn't at all drawn into the story from 1990s NY. I found this story tedious to read. And I'm not sure on Virginia Woolf's story either, although it interested me to learn a little about. I'm not convinced that I'll be rushing to read any of her novels anytime soon.
There were common theme across each story and that was quite clever. I did find the tales a touch depressing given that each story focused on the meaning of life and ending life / suicidal thoughts.
I'd like to see how the film compares because maybe the NYC tale was told better and more accessibly. I can see that this book is very clever, can see how it might've won an award, but I was glad it wasn't too long a read.
The novel tells the story of one day in the lives of three women, one being Virginia Woolf. Each chapter is another part of the one of three character's days. I probably most enjoyed Mrs Brown's story, the 1950s LA housewife. It's a period of history I enjoy anyway and I thought this section well read and not overly complicated. I wasn't at all drawn into the story from 1990s NY. I found this story tedious to read. And I'm not sure on Virginia Woolf's story either, although it interested me to learn a little about. I'm not convinced that I'll be rushing to read any of her novels anytime soon.
There were common theme across each story and that was quite clever. I did find the tales a touch depressing given that each story focused on the meaning of life and ending life / suicidal thoughts.
I'd like to see how the film compares because maybe the NYC tale was told better and more accessibly. I can see that this book is very clever, can see how it might've won an award, but I was glad it wasn't too long a read.