Virginia Woolf died 60 years ago today, which coincidentally fell on the same day of my review of her extended essay A Room of One's Own. The essay explores women and writing; if women were offered the same opportunities as men could they write in equal quality? Were financial limitations the only thing that held them back? And if so, why are men offered more opportunity than women?
Woolf explores these questions and their implications and then goes on to encourage an integrated humanity, one where writers (women and men alike) can write without any hindrances. The title of the work comes from Woolf's assertion that "a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction."
Overall I found the book to be a little dry, but full of interesting ideas. If you are interested in women and writing, this text is a must-read. But it's more than that. A Room of One's Own explores the relationship between gender and socioeconomics throughout history and ends on a hopeful note. These essays are based on a series of lectures that Woolf gave to women's colleges at Cambridge University. What a lucky group of students.
Publisher: Harcourt, 1929
I'm rereading this with the Feminist Classics book in May and I can't wait to discuss it! You're more than welcome to join us even though you read it now, btw. I agree, plenty of interesting ideas here.
ReplyDeleteNymeth, Thanks for the heads up! I'll keep my eye out for the discussion.
ReplyDeleteI don't doubt that this is a must read for people everywhere. However, I've read criticism of Woolf's title partly due to the fact that she came from a background free of want and didn't really address the issue of gender equality in the best terms. Regardless, Woolf was a voice that would be heard and that makes a huge difference, especially considering the period this work was released. I have yet to read it (yes, I am hanging my head in shame), but will make sure to bump it up in the TBR list. Great review- and fitting timing.
ReplyDeleteI admit that I have tried to read this but it has proved too dry for me to get into.
ReplyDeleteA well timed tribute to Virginia Woolf, good review Brenna.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it's a very dry read, but if you're interested in women in fiction, it's a must read. Glad you reviewed it. It's been years since I read it. I'm going to post a link to this page on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI've always found Virgina Woolf a bit scary but this does sounds like one I would enjoy. Great review of it :)
ReplyDeleteI've only read a couple of Virginia Woolf's novels, but I own a copy of this essay and very much plan to read it. I didn't realize it'd been 60 years since she died.
ReplyDeleteIn all my years of reading, I still haven't managed to pick up and peruse a Woolf book. I really need to rectify that in the near future.
ReplyDeleteJust found you blog and am now following :) I'm a new blogger. Stop by my blog and say hello if you are passing by:
allthebookswelove.blogspot.com
Cheers!
I've never read a Woolf book but I saw this one in a store near my place last week, so might read it soon :)
ReplyDeleteNice review..
Read it many years ago...just finished it again this morning in light of a discussion group meeting this afternoon. So many passages underlined...reflective for me as a middle aged woman who is grateful for time spent raising four fine human beings - with a room of my own and a bit of money along the way to pursue my art and writing. And I ask myself today how did I do it all? Hmmm. So now as a single free spirit, I continue to pursue artistic journeys. And discuss with like-minded friends the power of words. Great blog and review. Thank you.
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