Laura answers “Can I go back and read Rainbow after...”

Pamela M asked this question about Women in Love:

Can I go back and read Rainbow after reading Women in Love. I didn't realize that Women In Love was a sequel. I checked WIL out from my local library and also found audio book for WIL on youtube. I listen to the audio narration while I read the hard copy. Makes it move along a little more for me and catch symbolic meanings. Like me, does anyone else find a little of Birkin in oneself?

Laura Actually, reading Women in Love first would be the way original audiences got the story because The Rainbow was banned. Lawrence couldn't find a publi…moreActually, reading Women in Love first would be the way original audiences got the story because The Rainbow was banned. Lawrence couldn't find a publisher for Women in Love until 1920, and even then he could only publish it in the US. (British publishers wouldn't touch it after The Rainbow debacle.) In addition, the two books aren't really sequels in the way we think of sequels today. They're more like two stories that have some of the same characters. So, I say go for it! (less)

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