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Book Review: To the Light House by Virginia Woolf

To the Light House by Virginia Woolf is rather a philosophical book throwing insights on love, lust, life and aspirations. Can you believe this piece was written when she was just eighteen? You would rather read with shock.

Virginia Woolf fans are aware of the fact that her books are awe inspiring. Even if you haven’t read any so far, you can go ahead and pick up this book, or can also pick up any book randomly without having to read reviews, blurb, and synopsis. You will not be disappointed for sure. This novel is, a matter of fact, breathtaking poetry stretched to the size of a novel of over 180 pages, in which you will find short and long sentences with equal gusto, and chapters as short as three and a half sentence to as long as twenty-five pages with paragraph striking paragraph thrown at the readers that will eventually put remarkable and satisfactory grin on their faces before the book ends.

Written hundred years ago, readers will find it tough to believe at that tender one could be so philosophical, understanding and mature about life, great praises to her for bringing out this incredible piece of literature which is still considered one of the best books from the last century.

By looking at the cover and assuming something from the title, you would say that it is going to be an amazing love story, well it turns out to be one - based between Mrs. and Mr. Ramsay despite the fact that Mr. Ramsay has been created like a pure selfish foolhardy guy by the author. Even after that you will shout aloud for Mrs. Ramsay's respect, love, and carefulness towards that man. He is most of the time stubborn on proving her wrong, and will not let go any chance to snub her. Despite these nuisances, they love and admire each other by not saying anything but by little gestures. She dreams for a light house: for that she keeps working on to fulfill it. How is she going to do that? Keep reading and you will come to know eventually.

When the Ramsay family, including their eight kids, along with a few close friends visit their holiday home which is located nearby a beach, they (all people) get to see an amusing light house located on a small island, not so far from their beach house. Probably, that light house makes the overall theme of the story.

The duration of the story covers fifteen years of time. Their lives are shown shuffling back and forth between the ruined present and the pleasant past. The way Woolf throws her philosophy about life and other things with the medium of her characters is indeed laudable. Through this small book she has indeed covered many aspects of life with panache of a literary genius.


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