In The Hours , Michael Cunningham--widely praised as one of the most gifted writers of his generation--draws inventively on the life and work of Virginia Woolf to tell the story of a group of contemporary characters struggling with the conflicting claims of love and inheritance, hope and despair. The narrative of Woolf 's last days before her suicide early in World War II counterpoints the fictional stories of Richard, a famous poet whose life has been shadowed by his talented and troubled mother, and his lifelong friend ...
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In The Hours , Michael Cunningham--widely praised as one of the most gifted writers of his generation--draws inventively on the life and work of Virginia Woolf to tell the story of a group of contemporary characters struggling with the conflicting claims of love and inheritance, hope and despair. The narrative of Woolf 's last days before her suicide early in World War II counterpoints the fictional stories of Richard, a famous poet whose life has been shadowed by his talented and troubled mother, and his lifelong friend Clarissa, who strives to forge a balanced and rewarding life in spite of the demands of friends, lovers and family. Passionate, profound and deeply moving, The Hours is Cunningham's most remarkable achievement to date.
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It wasn't poorly written it was just boring. Three interwoven stories come together to make the reader realize they could have read something much better. A woman planning a party for her dying friend. A hausfrau with a shocking secret (oh my!) and sad sack Virgina Woolfe in all her pity before completion of "Mrs. Dalloway". This book much like the movie acted like a sedative for me. Both had the power to put me to sleep.
Since so much was made about Virginia Woolfe at the time of the film release and then greater interest in the book it did inspire me to read "Mrs. Dalloway". Much to my horror in the first few pages I was having deja-veu of "The Hours" all over again. I'm surprised Ms. Woolfe's estate didn't sue for copyright infringement.
bevans605
Jul 11, 2008
A Day Inspired by Woolf
Cunnigham's novel relies heavily on context and events from Woolf's novel, Mrs. Dalloway, which is being written in The Hours. If I had not already read Mrs. Dalloway, I would have missed many references and allusions to the novel made by Cunnigham and perhaps not appreciated or understood the presence of certain plot elements; nevertheless, knowledge of Woolf's work is not requisite to enjoy The Hours. The portraits of the characters, especially Woolf's, are intriguing, and Cunnigham adeptly delves into the minds of his heroines. While some may say that the characters seem too similar, I would suggest that some of the beauty of the work comes from the realisation that these women, despite their many differences, experience the same confusions and emotions. While I did enjoy and would recommend this book to friends, it is not a light or uplifting book. In any case, it's a fast read, so if you don't like it, it won't take up too much of your time. A good choice for fans of Virginia Woolf.
flickburns
Dec 1, 2007
wonderful read
I really loved this book! it is beautifully written, poetic & totally engrossing.
Selina
Sep 16, 2007
Stale
It sounded like a man wrote it. All the characters sounded the same. This is a one time read at best. I doubt anyone could read it for a second time. There was very little to hold the reader's attention.
