I'm halfway through. I'm up to the part where Septimus and Rezia are visiting with Sir William and Woolf is going on and on about "proportion" and "conversion."

Septimus is currently having his battles between himself and the rest of human nature because now the doctors are out to "cure his disease."

I am absolutely in love with this book. Love love love. This is one of the most gorgeous books I've read in a while, and so much of Woolf's struggles are present in these pages. I'm not saying it's been an easy read - sometimes she loses me a little - but it's well worth the effort. It's brought tears to my eyes - I think Woolf's writing is so extraordinary.

Any thoughts?

I haven't read this in years, but do agree her writing is wonderful. Have you read anything else Woolf?

No, this is my first time. I randomly rented "The Hours" once and loved the movie, so I thought the book would be just as great. It has been thus far!

Anything else by Virginia Woolf you would recommend?

I love that book also. It is kind of the reason that I joined book talk. It is the sort of book you want to talk about and analyze. I thought, I have to find a group where people talk about books like it. I am glad you are enjoying it.

jill315 wrote:Anything else by Virginia Woolf you would recommend?

I enjoyed To the Lighthouse very much.

jill315 wrote:No, this is my first time. I randomly rented "The Hours" once and loved the movie, so I thought the book would be just as great. It has been thus far!

I'm glad to hear this. I have not seen the movie, but I do own the book. You have inspired me to move it up on my TBR list.

Happy reading!

^^
The Hours is quite a movie, so be prepared. It's very emotionally heavy, but it's incredible, and the acting is terrific, too.

I never read "The Hours" by Michael Cunningham (whose book the movie is based on) but it's amazing how well he blended the lives of his characters with those of Mrs. Dalloway. You could sit there all day and compare/contrast.

It's actually helped me to better understand Mrs. Dalloway thus far.

jill315 wrote:No, this is my first time. I randomly rented "The Hours" once and loved the movie, so I thought the book would be just as great. It has been thus far!

Anything else by Virginia Woolf you would recommend?

Everything....Orlando, In the Lighthouse, A room of Ones' Own

Enjoy!

That book was a "false start" for me. I'll try it again someday.

reader2121 wrote:That book was a "false start" for me. I'll try it again someday.

That's a really good way to look at a book that for some reason doesn't click. It could be just a momentary thing, as you imply. Too often we shut the door on a book if it doesn't win us over easily.

Gary raises his hand, "me too." This is my favorite Woolf too. Although I agree that "A Room of One's Own" and her most famous "To the Lighthouse" are also excellent. I also second the comment that Woolf can be challenging to read but is worth the effort.