Mrs Dalloway

by Virginia Woolf
Mrs Dalloway cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10452
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9788726507737
  • Publisher: Lindhardt og Ringhof
  • Published: 2021-10-07
  • Formats: 20
  • Reviews: 3

Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs Dalloway' is a celebrated classic known for its enchanting prose and deep understanding of human nature. The novel follows Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a grand evening soirée, her thoughts and memories intertwining with those of other characters in a stream-of-consciousness narrative that is both captivating and introspective. Woolf's pioneering use of this narrative device allows readers to delve into the minds of her characters, revealing their innermost thoughts and emotions. The arrival of an old admirer disrupts Clarissa's preparations, sparking a cascade of reflections that threaten to consume her. This exploration of time, memory, and identity is what makes 'Mrs Dalloway' a timeless and unforgettable read.

Reviews
Causley Trust · 2023-03-27
profound 4.00

The novel's fast-paced narrative and multiple characters can be confusing at first, but it offers a rich and rewarding experience. The stream-of-consciousness style immerses the reader in the characters' thoughts and emotions.

At first glance, Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway can be a bit overwhelming. The fast-paced narrative and the introduction of multiple characters might make your head spin initially. However, once you get into the rhythm of the story, it becomes a captivating journey. Woolf's stream-of-consciousness style is a standout feature, allowing readers to delve deep into the characters' thoughts and emotions. It's a novel that demands your attention and rewards you with a profound understanding of its characters and their inner worlds. The language is poetic and the themes are timeless, making it a classic that continues to resonate with readers.

Quick quotes

    This novel was certainly confusing at first.

    Woolf's fast paced narrative and the introduction of multiple characters undeniably made my head spin.

    The stream-of-consciousness style immerses the reader in the characters' thoughts and emotions.

The New Yorker · 2020-12-29
transformative 4.50

The plot may be familiar, but the emotional revelations within it are transformative. Scenes that once seemed unimportant take on new significance with each reading.

Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway is a novel that grows with you. The plot might become comfortingly familiar over time, but the emotional revelations within it change and deepen with each reading. Scenes that you might have passed over as unimportant on your first read can take on new significance, offering fresh insights into the characters and their lives. It's a testament to Woolf's skill as a writer that this novel continues to reveal new layers with every reading. The themes of time, memory, and the passage of life are handled with a sensitivity and depth that make this a truly moving and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    The plot might become comfortingly familiar, but the emotional revelations within it change.

    Scenes once passed over as unimportant begin to take on new significance.

    It's a testament to Woolf's skill as a writer that this novel continues to reveal new layers with every reading.

Dana Huff · Dana Huff · 2015-07-11
masterful 4.75

The novel is a masterpiece of modernist literature, with Woolf's unique style and profound exploration of consciousness. It leaves the reader in awe of the author's skill.

Dana Huff's review of Mrs Dalloway highlights the novel's status as a masterpiece of modernist literature. Huff emphasizes Woolf's unique style and her profound exploration of consciousness, which sets this novel apart. The review captures the sense of awe that readers often feel upon finishing the book, a testament to Woolf's mastery of her craft. Huff's appreciation for the novel's depth and complexity is evident, making this review a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of Mrs Dalloway. The language is poetic, the themes are timeless, and the characters are deeply human, all of which contribute to the novel's enduring appeal.

Quick quotes

    I don't think I've read anything quite like this book.

    At the end, when I closed the book on the last page, I was in awe of Woolf's mastery.

    The novel is a masterpiece of modernist literature, with Woolf's unique style and profound exploration of consciousness.

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