I get that the default answer is probably "yes," but here's why I ask—I don't think I've ever really enjoyed any stream-of-consciousness books. A friend of mine described me once as "a story guy," as in, I tend to focus on a well-paced and well-plotted story.
That doesn't mean I haven't enjoyed various other forms of experimental literature, and in general I highly value the historical importance of new forms that changed how people thought of books and writing.
So—should I read Virginia Woolf, and if so, what book to start with? Thanks for any thoughts!
by disgr4ce
8 Comments
Only if you want a howling good time.
unless you’re afraid of her.
The question is what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.
A Room of One’s Own is the best essay of the 20th century written in English.
I think it’s good to broaden your horizons, and if you hate it you can just put it down.
I haven’t read a lot of Woolf, but I would suggest *Mrs Dalloway*. It is dreamy and shifts over time, but the general scope follows a single day and the experiences of two people living it.
Honestly, I don’t know. I actually like stream of consciousness. But I’m about 1/3 of the way through “Mrs. Dalloway,” and I’m annoyed. I also didn’t like “Orlando,” but pretty sure that one’s more straight-forward.
Well stream of consciousness is a big part of her writing style, so if that’s not something you enjoy it might be a slog. I don’t think the way she uses it is quite as difficult as say Joyce’s stuff, but it can be confusing at times if you’re not used to it.
Might as well try. You can find some of her stuff for free on the internet. You could just google for an essay or rent a book of hers online from your library in the time it took you to post, read a few pages and see if it’s something you like.
Without knowing other books and authors you like, it’s hard to say if you’d like it or not just from the description of you being a “story guy.”