Review for The Waves by Virginia Woolf!
ONE SENTENCE REVIEW: If you want a break from the quick-paced page-turners, then you should definitely pick up this uniquely constructed coming-of-age novel.
Quick View Review
Characters: ***** (5/5)
Plot: **** (4/5)
Writing Quality: ***** (5/5)
Amazon Rating: **** (4/5)
Summary: The Waves follows the lives of Bernard, Louis, Neville, Percival, Susan, Jinny, and Rhoda through the losses and gains, the love and jealousy, the ups and downs, and the twists and turns of life.
Review: Virginia Woolf was definitely a genius, and this novel is proof. The writing is magical and flowing, every line quote-worthy. This story wasn’t written for pure entertainment like most page-turners, but rather for an insightful, unique outlook on personal growth, the opportunities and consequences of life-changing decisions, and the overall journey of life. The plot isn’t a solid construction, but rather a continuous story of seven intertwining lives that can become slightly excessive and boring, but only if you let it. Because of this, I had to push through and focus on appreciating the beauty of the sequence of words instead of waiting for a climax that was never intended to happen. In order to appreciate this gorgeous masterpiece, you need to focus on the development of the characters. I was awed by the incredible depth of each character and how relatable their ideas, thoughts, and feelings are. I could see a bit of myself in every character, flaws and strengths alike. By the end of the novel, I felt like I was waking up from an alternate universe, as if I became each character throughout the story and only now that it’s finished am I myself again. It was a truly gratifying experience that you won’t regret.
Recommendations: To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf, The Count of Monte Cristo, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Orlando by Virginia Woolf, All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Happy Reading!
XOXO,
Zoe
