2026 Reading Challenge
The Hours

Questions About The Hours

by Michael Cunningham (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Hours, please sign up.

Answered Questions (5)

Does it enhance your appreciation of The Hours if you go read Mrs. Dalloway first? (I've seen the film version of The Hours and loved it.)
Bookslut Yes, I think reading Mrs. Dalloway first drastically increased my appreciation for what the author was trying to do in The Hours.
flag
Just saw the movie The Hours. I loved it. Became interested in the novel by Virginia Woolf Mrs. Dallaway. Would definitely Like to read both books. Which would you recommend first?
Lisa I would definitely read Mrs. Dalloway first.
flag
Some people have labeled this as LGBT. What role (if any) does LGBT play in the narrative?
Marie Martin Many of the characters are gay or perhaps to some degree bisexual, but that is not the subject matter.
flag
Does this novel talk about Virginia Woolf's depression and her death? I would love this books has instead a happy ending.
Tashia If you need happy endings all the time you,need to grow up! most literary books don't have neat wrapped up happy endings. stay away from adult books!…moreIf you need happy endings all the time you,need to grow up! most literary books don't have neat wrapped up happy endings. stay away from adult books!(less)
flag
I'm currently writing my MA thesis about The Hours and I was wondering if anyone knows if the post-film editions of the novel have an extra excerpt by Cunningham about the adaptation or something like that? (I've been trying to find if any of them have, but it's kinda mission impossible to buy every single edition of the novel so maybe someone can check their editions?)
John Giraldo You should try to look for the dvd realease of the movie version, there is a conversation between Michael Cunningham and Stephen Daldry about the book
flag

Unanswered Questions (1)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more