Reviews

listen, if this had been actually sapphic it would have gotten a much higher rating. super interesting to see how woolf's writing style evolves -- this book is more traditional and victorian-lite than The Voyage Out. doesn't feel like her at all at times.

perjacxis's review

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3.0

3.5 stars

amyrezende's review against another edition

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challenging reflective 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? Yes

3.75

chamolilies's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

sanjastajdohar's review against another edition

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4.0

Here we have Woolf's second novel, a story about a young woman Rachel, a granddaughter of a famous poet, caught in a love triangle (or pentagon, depending on your view) and someone tired of the shadow her family casts on ger own life and choices. But that's just a frame of the story. This book is actually about the search for one's purpose and motivation in life. Each character we meet faces different obstacles and challenges regarding their present and future. Side-characters are actually the best ones. The feminist Mary (maybe closest to Woolf's own character) is someone who stands out the most for me.

Since this was Woolf only second novel, she is still quite traditional in her writing style, but we definitely have some glimpses into her modernist tendencies in theform of inner turmoil of the characters and the way she depicts London and its streets as a reflection on character's mind. London us almost a separate character in this story.
So, while this may not be my favorite Woolf's novel and it took a while for it to really get going, I appreciate it for wonderful language and I actually cared for the characters in the end and they made an impression on me. Their inner thoughts and insecurities were often quite relatable and extremely human and imperfect. It was a slow read, but I'm glad I've read this one.
P. S. Juliet Stevenson is simply marvelous as a narrator.

franklyfrank's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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