The Hours
Michael Cunningham
A sort of American re-telling of Mrs Dalloway. Three interwoven stories - Mrs Dalloway, Mrs Woolf and Mrs Brown - not all obviously connected until the end when they're nicely pulled together. Caroline really enjoyed this well written book although it's not easy to read when you're falling asleep. She felt the author only put a foot wrong with the Mrs Brown story, where clearly he'd never experienced looking after a small child.
Seán said (not having read the book) that it all sounded incredibly incestuous, just like the whole Bloomsbury thing and he couldn't get interested in it, a view echoed by a couple of others present.
Caroline 1/12/02
This was much better than Dalloway! The story is based on three
characters living in three different times, one of whom is
Virginia Woolf. All three are really interesting and engaging and
the story is excellent. Doreen was now much more interested in
and understanding of Virginia Woolf and went back to read Mrs.
Dunnaway. This time she finished the book and enjoyed it.
Doreen 30/3/03
Three parallel stories, all taking place at different places
and different times but all linked to Virgina Woolf's novel 'Mrs
Dalloway'. Well-structured and a very enjoyable read. Jean hadn't
read Mrs Dalloway and felt she would probably have enjoyed the
book even more if she had. Recommended.
Jean 1/6/03>
Andrew read this after seeing the film. It is beautifully
written and aroused his interest in the writing of Virginia
Woolf. The three stories are tied together very well but the
ending was still a surprise (despite having seen the film).
Andrew 3/8/03
Janet agreed with what had been said and recommended it.
Janet 3/8/03
This is about Virginia Woolf, and it didn't make Bob like her work any better.
Bob 3/7/05
The frames have
gone all funny - click to make it good.