Orlando by Virginia Woolf; narrated by Barbara Rosenblat | 1993; originally published 1928 | Recorded Books | Audiobook $ 21
Moving from one century into the next, oblivious to time and dimension, Orlando consorts with writers and monarchs, actors and gypsies, dropping one fashion and folly for another, and waking up at the end of a deep sleep, not only in a different age, but in a different gender.
Virginia Woolf. That’s one of those author names that everyone seems to recognize, and including one of her works on any must-read list of classic books is basically a requirement. Up until now, I have to confess that those works have seemed a little intimidating to me. (“Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf?” jokes are probably deserved but not needed, kthanks.)
The story is framed as a sort of fantastical biography, with the narrator regularly making little commentaries and even sometimes even citing made-up source material throughout. There are two unusual elements to this biography, though. The titular character, Orlando, lives an impossibly extended life from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I to the 1920’s. But that’s not all. In an unexplained magical event, Orlando is changed from a man to a woman during a sojourn in Constantinople; she lives the remaining centuries of her life as a varyingly androgynous lady.
I was pleasantly surprised by the beautifully blended wry humor and serious social commentary and simply lovely prose. I listened to this audiobook while making a long interstate drive, and as it turns out the story was almost too engaging for that listening experience; I missed my final exit!
Also, I learned after reading that this satirical story was based loosely on the life of a lover of Virginia Woolf, Vita Sackville-West. I certainly don’t think it’s necessary to know that in advance in order to enjoy the novel, but it did lend some insight into certain narrative choices.
I feel comfortable recommending this book to anyone who’s interested in getting more into classic lit but has so far been a bit intimidated by Virginia Woolf (like me!); maybe it’s not a bite-sized super-easy selection for Literature 101, but it is nonetheless quite accessible. I think it’s also a good choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction or who might be interested in trying out an early gender-bender story.
Links:
- Review from The New York Times
- Virginia Woolf Society of Great Britain
- Online exhibit on the Bloomsbury Group from Tate
Publication information: Woolf, Virginia. Orlando. Landover, Maryland: Recorded Books, 1993. Audiobook.
Source: Public library, via Libby.
Disclaimer: I am not compensated, monetarily or otherwise, for reviews of books or other products
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