To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf - Starting 8th September 2019

[Dannii]

The serene and maternal Mrs. Ramsay, the tragic yet absurd Mr. Ramsay, and their children and assorted guests are on holiday on the Isle of Skye. From the seemingly trivial postponement of a visit to a nearby lighthouse, Woolf constructs a remarkable, moving examination of the complex tensions and allegiances of family life and the conflict between men and women.

As time winds its way through their lives, the Ramsays face, alone and simultaneously, the greatest of human challenges and its greatest triumph—the human capacity for change.

[Dannii]

In an odd reading mood today so starting this one a day early :)

[Dannii]

First quarter - (view spoiler)[This is my second Woolf novel and I was just as immediately invested as I was with Mrs Dalloway. Despite being about different people and set in a different place, the pervading themes feel quite similar. Whilst giving us a small insight to someone's day, Woolf manages to capture an entire philosophy about life.

This has, so far, introduced the reader to the Ramsay family who are holidaying in the summer house, in Skye. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Second quarter - (view spoiler)[I am infatuated with this book! I'm loving the disorientating stream-of-consciousness style. Even though it is a shock to dive from mind to mind, Woolf never lets it feel jarring. Her sense of place is also wonderful. I'm loving the insights garnered for each character and how their lives and personalities are puzzle pieces inside this unfolding saga. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third quarter - (view spoiler)[Ten years have passed since the first section and this second half is infused with a more melancholic tone. Mrs Ramsey, Pru Ramsey, and Andrew Ramsey have died, war has come, but still the natural world prevails. The summer house stands empty and dilapidated with only aged Mrs Mcnab to care for it and think of it. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Fourth quarter - (view spoiler)[The third section bears the name 'to the lighthouse', the figure which the entire novel has previously revolved around. I think I need to look up what it metaphorically stands for, however. Authority? Permanence? Alleviation of shadow? A guide in chaos? Home and security?

Lily stays behind whilst Mr Ramsay, Cam, and James finally venturing to the lighthouse. This final part gives the reader a further understanding of all characters, both alive and deceased.

This entire book was one poignant and wonderful journey. A quick google tells me "The Lighthouse symbolizes human desire, a force that pulsates over the indifferent sea of the natural world and guides people's passage across it. Yet even as the Lighthouse stands constant night and day, season after season, it remains curiously unattainable." This makes much more sense than my earlier guesses. (hide spoiler)]

[Abby]

Part I: (view spoiler)[I like Lily as a character, though hated Charles bringing her down by saying that women can't paint or write. (hide spoiler)]

Part II: (view spoiler)[This section's super sad with everyone dying, especially with the war. (hide spoiler)]

Part III: (view spoiler)[Satisfied that they came back to the lighthouse and the kids are actually starting to enjoy the trip. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[I love how this ended with Lily's realization about her work, that it doesn't matter what legacy it leaves. (hide spoiler)]