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- Book Title: Orlando: A Biography
- Author: Virginia Woolf
- Year Published: 11 October 1928.
- Goodreads Rating: 3.87/5
- Availability: Buy the PDF from Google Play Books.
After you have purchased Orlando: A Biography, follow these instructions to download it from Google Play Books in PDF format:
- Click on the "Books" tab at the top of your screen.
- Click on the "Your Library" link beneath that.
- Find your book and click the icon with three dots beneath the cover image.
- Select "Export" and then "Export as PDF".
How to Read "Orlando: A Biography" in PDF Format
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Our Review of "Orlando: A Biography"
Virginia Woolf's "Orlando" is a fascinating exploration of gender, identity, and the passage of time, presented through the lens of a unique and imaginative narrative. The novel, written as a love letter to Woolf’s lover, Vita Sackville-West, takes readers on a journey through centuries, following the life of Orlando, a young nobleman who mysteriously transforms into a woman and continues to live through the ages. This transformation and the fluidity of Orlando's identity serve as a vehicle for Woolf to examine the societal constructs of gender and the nature of biography itself.
Woolf's relationship with Vita adds depth to the narrative, illuminating the emotional landscape that inspired her writing. The backdrop of their affair provides a rich context for understanding Orlando's character. Vita, known for her numerous lovers and adventures, contrasts sharply with Woolf's introspective nature, which adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Woolf's affection for Vita is palpable, making it not just a story about identity but also a poignant reflection on love and the complexities of human relationships.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Orlando" is how Woolf incorporates elements of Vita's life into the fictional world. Knole, Vita’s ancestral home, is mirrored in Orlando’s estate, complete with heraldic leopards and royal visits, most notably from Queen Elizabeth I. This representation is not merely decorative; it acts as a reclamation for Vita, who, as a woman, was denied the right to inherit her family’s legacy. By giving Orlando this home, Woolf is not only honoring Vita’s heritage but also making a statement about women’s place in society.
Woolf populates "Orlando" with characters that reflect her and Vita's social circles. For instance, the Russian princess Sasha embodies Violet Trefusis, and other characters represent friends and acquaintances of the two women, lending the narrative a sense of intimacy and realism. Woolf's playful use of private jokes and imagery enhances the text's whimsical tone, even as it encourages deeper reflection on the subtleties of their relationships. The mysterious “porpoise in a fishmonger’s shop” remains an enigma, adding an element of intrigue to the narrative, while the recurring goose symbolizes something that even Vita found perplexing.
The book also serves as a commentary on the nature of friendship and the revolutionary potential it holds for women. Woolf's exploration of these themes resonates strongly, especially when viewed alongside her later works, such as "A Room of One’s Own." In "Orlando," she suggests that when women form connections and support each other, they can transcend traditional rivalries and societal expectations. This idea is conveyed with humor and a fairy-tale quality that makes the narrative enjoyable and engaging.
"Orlando" is often seen as a lighter work compared to Woolf's more serious novels, yet it holds its own brilliance and charm. The playful storytelling and imaginative premise captivated readers, contributing to its commercial success, which surpassed any of Woolf's previous works. The novel's blend of fantasy, humor, and social critique has cemented its place as a classic, making it an essential read for those interested in literary innovation and the exploration of gender.
Virginia Woolf's "Orlando" offers a captivating narrative that challenges traditional notions of identity and gender while celebrating the complexities of love and friendship. Its unique structure and rich context make it a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today. If you’re in the mood for an extraordinary journey through time and self-discovery, "Orlando" is undoubtedly worth adding to your reading list.
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