I love your advice to read Woolf like you would read poetry. I love the way she uses words. She’s one of my favorite authors to listen to while I read to hear the lyrical nature of her writing. I love to let her wash over me like I do with Lispector. They both light up my brain in wild ways and I can go back again and again and find new things that I missed on previous reads.
Oh wow, what a wonderful find! I’m a huge Virginia Woolf enthusiast—I wrote my university thesis on her, have studied her work extensively, and have read all of her books (some multiple times), along with her biographies. Woolf’s world fascinates me, and I’d love to be part of this!
What did you write your thesis on, Nicolle? I'm always fascinated, as I did the same thing, and it launched me into a lifelong passion. You'd think after writing a thesis, you'd be done with it, but it only fueled my interest in her. What still fascinates you about her?
Thank you for all your hard work in setting up this read-along and these wonderful, informative introductions. I was trying to find pictures of Virginia Woolf's mother and discovered that Henry James visited her parents at Tolland House! How exciting is that. Here's a picture of Julia Stephen with her children Vanessa, Virginia and Toby, framed by the window at Tolland House. https://www.costumecocktail.com/2016/09/05/julia-stephen-with-her-children-vanessa-virginia-thoby-ca-1894/
Couldn't detect the cactus moment, sadly. But yes v helpful that we're seeing some quite simple episodes (Mrs R sits in the window with her youngest child James; Mr Ramsay is on the terrace reciting poetry to himself; Lily Briscoe will be trying to paint a portrait of Mrs R). But we are seeing it from every possible direction.
I find that to read Woolf I need to be in the zone, to switch to a specific mental space, similar to what people achieve through meditation – I never really managed to meditate myself, but it's a similar floating state. I let my mind flow with the music and the rhythm of the prose, while also trying to be aware of the feelings these words are evoking and reflecting on the meaning behind them, letting it all sit with me. It's a whole thing, it takes time and care, and I find it really worthwhile, I actually cannot read Woolf this way without crying. It's easier when you put some white noise on the background too, and the sound of waves is perfect in more ways than one.
It was delightful to listen to your talk, I hope we get many more!
What a beautiful comment, Ellie. Needless to say, I also find Woolf's prose incredibly moving, but you're right - one needs to foster the right mental state to receive it.
I do have a few more chats lined up - watch this space!
I'm a bit behind but determined to catch up. I've read To the Lighthouse once and enjoyed it but always felt I didn't quite get it, so it was so encouraging to learn that I'll get much more out of it on the second read. So encouraging! Thanks to you both!
I love your advice to read Woolf like you would read poetry. I love the way she uses words. She’s one of my favorite authors to listen to while I read to hear the lyrical nature of her writing. I love to let her wash over me like I do with Lispector. They both light up my brain in wild ways and I can go back again and again and find new things that I missed on previous reads.
What a lovely description of her writing! Yes, reading her is like listening to music wash over you. I love this analogy.
I agree! Beautifully put!
Oh wow, what a wonderful find! I’m a huge Virginia Woolf enthusiast—I wrote my university thesis on her, have studied her work extensively, and have read all of her books (some multiple times), along with her biographies. Woolf’s world fascinates me, and I’d love to be part of this!
What did you write your thesis on, Nicolle? I'm always fascinated, as I did the same thing, and it launched me into a lifelong passion. You'd think after writing a thesis, you'd be done with it, but it only fueled my interest in her. What still fascinates you about her?
So glad you found us Nicolle! VW enthusiasts are welcome here!!
Thank you for all your hard work in setting up this read-along and these wonderful, informative introductions. I was trying to find pictures of Virginia Woolf's mother and discovered that Henry James visited her parents at Tolland House! How exciting is that. Here's a picture of Julia Stephen with her children Vanessa, Virginia and Toby, framed by the window at Tolland House. https://www.costumecocktail.com/2016/09/05/julia-stephen-with-her-children-vanessa-virginia-thoby-ca-1894/
Oh, how fantastic! Thank you for sharing these pics, Poonam! Just fascinating!
wow that is a treat of a find!!!!
Couldn't detect the cactus moment, sadly. But yes v helpful that we're seeing some quite simple episodes (Mrs R sits in the window with her youngest child James; Mr Ramsay is on the terrace reciting poetry to himself; Lily Briscoe will be trying to paint a portrait of Mrs R). But we are seeing it from every possible direction.
I have my copy ready Tash and, together with your enthusiastic company, I feel all set. And excited! Thank you for all you’ve put into this.
Excellent! I feel quite excited too!
Good luck Tash. Just saying I now have a garden of red hot pokers.
Haha thanks! You had me diving into the book looking for those red hot pokers :)
It’s interesting what makes an impression!
Thanks, Tash! Looking forward to this!
I find that to read Woolf I need to be in the zone, to switch to a specific mental space, similar to what people achieve through meditation – I never really managed to meditate myself, but it's a similar floating state. I let my mind flow with the music and the rhythm of the prose, while also trying to be aware of the feelings these words are evoking and reflecting on the meaning behind them, letting it all sit with me. It's a whole thing, it takes time and care, and I find it really worthwhile, I actually cannot read Woolf this way without crying. It's easier when you put some white noise on the background too, and the sound of waves is perfect in more ways than one.
It was delightful to listen to your talk, I hope we get many more!
What a beautiful comment, Ellie. Needless to say, I also find Woolf's prose incredibly moving, but you're right - one needs to foster the right mental state to receive it.
I do have a few more chats lined up - watch this space!
What a lovely introduction. Thank you, Tash and Nancy.
Scenes within frames yet again! I love the recurring themes we're finding in Woolf's work.
Yes! Kew Gardens was a perfect entree!
I'm a bit behind but determined to catch up. I've read To the Lighthouse once and enjoyed it but always felt I didn't quite get it, so it was so encouraging to learn that I'll get much more out of it on the second read. So encouraging! Thanks to you both!
A perfect introduction, thank you both so much. Am settling in for a restorative weekend with the book this weekend