To The Lighthouse ~ Virginia Woolf

[ashling_c]

Well hello there. I'm a long time reader, first time poster.

I recently picked up a copy of To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. I had often heard it is one of her greatest and a masterpiece of the English language so I decided to make it my introduction into the writings of Ms Woolf.
What a mistake!
Now it could easily be just me and her greatness is

Comments

[heartts]

Ugh, I took an entire class on Woolf. It was, seriously, a nightmare.

[ashling_c]

I don't even want to imagine that. This one book as turned me off her for life.

[coritiacus]

I had to read it for college. It is dreadful. I actually burnt it, something I thought I'd never do to a book. Completely tedious, and we were expected to spend weeks analysing all the alleged meanings and wonderful (hah) style.

[grey853]

It's been a while, but I actually liked the book, but that's just me.

[kalena]

Sticking up my hand to say that I also had to read it for school, and I recall liking it. A kind of dreamlike book, I think.

[onewaystair]

Likewise. I remember thinking it was terribly sad, in a quiet sort of way, but I liked it.

[ribbon_scythe]

In your defense Woolfe is not for everyone. In fact stream of consciousness is not for everyone. I know Woolfe fans are supposed to like To the Lighthouse. While not a die hard fan, I like her style and I feel Mrs. Dalloway sits with me much better. To the Lighthouse was very "meh" for me so I can understand why you don't like it.

I find I like certain lines and Woolfe's use of language more than her plot lines.

[muse_books]

I've not read this book but I agree that stream-of-consciousness is not something every reader responds to.

I just finished (barely it was a slog) one of the 2011 Orange Prize shortlisted titles that used this style over four characters and it drove me batty. Still some people in our group felt the novel was the best thing since sliced bread.

[cyranothe2nd]

Urg. Can't stand opaque characters where you know nothing about them or their inner working and you just have to guess. Also hate the no-quotes thing too.