Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf: A Book Recommendation

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

In Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, Clarissa Dalloway’s preparations for her upcoming party are merely a backdrop to a far more complex and introspective narrative.

As she busies herself with last-minute details for the event, Clarissa’s mind wanders back to her past—the passionate loves of her youth, her practical choice of husband, and the looming threat of aging.

The novel’s scope extends beyond Clarissa, exploring the lives of several other characters. Narratives are passed like batons. They include a former lover still wounded by her rejection and a war-torn veteran in the park who is sinking into madness. The veteran’s wife ponders her lot in life, while passersby have no idea of her struggle.

Through these characters and their experiences, Mrs. Dalloway challenges our perception of ordinary life. It’s an epic stream of consciousness that will leave you reeling!

As we are a doomed race, chained to a sinking ship, as the whole thing is a bad joke, let us, at any rate, do our part; mitigate the suffering of our fellow-prisoners; decorate the dungeon with flowers and air-cushions; be as decent as we possibly can.
Virginia Woolf, Mrs. Dalloway

If you’re giving Mrs. Dalloway as a gift, here are a few things to consider:

The vibes are reflective, emotional, and tense with a slow pace.

It’s the perfect book for readers who are interested in 1920s London. And although streams of consciousness may not be for everyone, the revolving cast of characters helps to break up any tediousness.

Permission to judge a book by its cover!

There are more book covers and editions of this classic than I could ever keep track of! I find them all quite beautiful, though. I would proudly display any of these in my home library.