3.87
"Orlando: A Biography" is a novel by Virginia Woolf, first published in 1928. The book is a playful exploration of gender, identity, and history, told through the life of its eponymous protagonist, Orlando. The novel begins in the Elizabethan era, where we meet Orlando as a young nobleman. As the book progresses, Orlando lives through several centuries, experiencing love, loss, and personal transformation. At the age of 30, Orlando undergoes a mysterious change and becomes a woman, a change that has little impact on their personality or outlook on life. Woolf's prose is lush and imaginative, filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world and the passage of time. The book is also known for its witty and satirical tone, particularly in its portrayal of the aristocracy and the politics of the time. "Orlando" is a groundbreaking work of fiction that challenges traditional notions of gender and identity. The book's fluid and non-linear narrative structure, as well as its exploration of androgyny, make it a seminal work in the development of modernist literature. Despite its experimental style, "Orlando" remains accessible and engaging, thanks in large part to Woolf's vivid and imaginative prose. The book is also notable for its playful and humorous tone, which adds a layer of charm and delight to its more serious themes. Overall, "Orlando" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on gender, identity, and the passage of time. It is a must-read for anyone interested in modernist literature, gender studies, or simply a beautifully written and engaging work of fiction...
Virginia Woolf
Mrs. Dalloway
If you enjoyed the stream-of-consciousness style and the exploration of a single day in a character's life in 'Orlando', you'll appreciate 'Mrs. Dalloway'. The novel follows Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a party in post-World War I London, weaving together the thoughts and memories of various characters.
Learn MoreMichael Cunningham
The Hours
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that pays homage to 'Mrs. Dalloway' and, by extension, 'Orlando', 'The Hours' intertwines the stories of three women from different eras, all connected by Woolf's work and the struggle to find their identities in a rapidly changing world.
Learn MoreVirginia Woolf
To the Lighthouse
Another Woolf novel that showcases her signature stream-of-consciousness style, 'To the Lighthouse' follows the Ramsay family and their visits to their summer home in the Hebrides, exploring themes of time, memory, and the nature of relationships.
Learn MoreVirginia Woolf
Jacob's Room
An experimental novel that precedes 'Orlando', 'Jacob's Room' follows the life of Jacob Flanders through the perspectives of various people who knew him, providing a fragmented yet poignant portrayal of a young man's life and the people who shaped it.
Learn MoreVirginia Woolf
The Waves
A lyrical and introspective novel, 'The Waves' follows the inner lives of six friends from childhood to adulthood, exploring themes of identity, time, and the human condition, much like 'Orlando'.
Learn MoreIris Murdoch
The Bell
If you enjoyed the exploration of gender and sexuality in 'Orlando', you may appreciate 'The Bell'. Set in an English convent, the novel delves into the relationships and desires of the nuns and guests, touching on themes of identity, morality, and the human experience.
Learn MoreJeanette Winterson
The Passion
A magical realist novel that, like 'Orlando', explores gender and identity, 'The Passion' follows the lives of Henri, a French soldier, and Villanelle, a Venetian casino worker, as they navigate love, war, and self-discovery in an fantastical 18th-century world.
Learn MoreSarah Waters
Fingersmith
If you were intrigued by the historical setting and the exploration of gender roles in 'Orlando', you may enjoy 'Fingersmith'. Set in Victorian England, the novel tells the story of Sue Trinder, a young pickpocket, and her involvement in a con that challenges societal expectations and exposes the complexities of identity.
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