Where to Start With Modernism: The Best Books to Read by Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf was a prominent figure among the group of English writers and intellectuals who had progressive social ideas about writing. Instead of following the traditional linear plots, she focused on inner thoughts, memories, and perceptions of her characters. Anyone who is interested in the development of the literary tradition and different approaches to writing. Woolf's works are unique in their attempts to shift from traditional, straightforward narration to the portrayal of the characters' minds, memories, and perceptions. The timeline in her books is not fixed, and her characters think in a peculiar way, which makes her books extremely fascinating. Her books are not similar to most of the literature written before and after Woolf. For the first time readers get acquainted with her works, it may be complicated to understand why her writing is so different from the majority of classic literature. However, once the reader gets used to the flow of Virginia Woolf's mind, there is no going back. Modernism as a literary movement of the early 20th century was all about breaking the established traditions and experimenting with new forms of the narrative. The new realities of the time demanded a new approach, which gave rise to the modernist writing movement.  Instead of writing straightforward stories with a consistent point of view, modernist authors tried to replicate the workings of the human psyche to make their works more engaging and realistic. There is a certain order in which her books should be read, starting from the easiest one to the most complex one. The article below will provide a list of five of Virginia Woolf's books, sorted from the easiest to understand to the most complex, in terms of the narrative technique used:

Mrs Dalloway(1925)

Mrs Dalloway

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If you are going to read a book by Virginia Woolf for the first time, make it this one. It is the easiest to get into, having a simple plot that follows Clarissa Dalloway, wife of politician Richard Dalloway, as she prepares for a party she has decided to hold in the wake of the First World War. However, there is much more to it than meets the eye, as the narrative slips in memories of her youth and various encounters, including an assignation with a member of the aristocracy. At the same time, Septimus Warren Smith, a broken veteran, is introduced, providing an outlet for Woolf's anger and sadness over the effects of the war. The stream of consciousness style, which would become a hallmark of later novels, is used to great effect as the narrative shuttles between different characters and time periods, long before such devices were common in cinema or indeed any medium. This book helps the reader to get an understanding of modernism as a whole. 

To the Lighthouse(1927)

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf | Stream of Consciousness Masterpiece | Introspective Fiction Exploring Family, Time & Identity | Timeless Psychological Novel

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Often cited as Virginia Woolf's masterpiece, To the Lighthouse is, in many ways, the most accessible of her novels. Once again, she examines themes of memory and loss, following the Ramsay family as they visit their summer home in the Scottish Highlands. Divided into three sections, the novel traces their progress from the pre-war era to the point when the house is sold many years later. In between, Woolf contemplates the nature of life and art itself, with Mrs Ramsay providing an anchor for the narrative. This book is similar to the previous one, but it depicts the human psyche in a slightly more complex manner, and while not impossible to read, it demands a little more attention due to the complexity of the prose. To the Lighthouse is, in many ways, easier to parse and far more rewarding on a personal level. It is also the emotional core of Woolf's work, and her most readable Modernist novel, capturing how time passes and grief affects people in ways far removed from the present day. This book introduces the reader to such modernist concepts as the relativity of memory and the meaning of art in life.

Orlando(1928)

Orlando

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It is probably the lightest and funniest of all Woolf's books. For a change of pace, look no further than Orlando: A Biography, a fantastical tale that sees its protagonist, the eponymous Orlando, change from a man in Elizabethan England into a woman some two centuries later. It is a humorous take on many of the themes that Woolf normally explores with a straight face, and as such, is an excellent second novel to read. It features many of the hallmarks of her best work, including a love story, while also touching on gender and class, all wrapped up in a lighthearted, even satirical, manner. Orlando is far less introspective than Mrs Dalloway or The Waves, which enables the reader to delve deeper into the complexities of Woolf. It is also based largely on real life, namely Vita Sackville-West, Woolf's lover and close friend, and captures the spirit of an age far removed from the modern one. As such, it is a good choice for readers who want to acquaint themselves with Woolf's lighter side, as Orlando is a great example of how her talent is portrayed not only in serious and dramatic genres but also in comedy. 

A Room of One's Own(1929)

A Room of One's Own [Paperback] Virginia Woolf

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Although not strictly a novel, A Room Of One's Own is a must-read for anyone wishing to understand Virginia Woolf's life and times. This set of essays, presented as a series of lectures at women's colleges at Cambridge, examines the position of women from a distinctly modern perspective, outlining what they need to create great works of art – namely, money and a room of their own. It is far less pretentious than many of her novels, making it ideal reading directly after a heavier piece such as To The Lighthouse . At the same time, however, it serves as an excellent primer for understanding Woolf's life, as well as her views on feminism, gender, and art in general. This duality makes it an ideal accompaniment to her novels, offering insights into the mind of one of the most important Modernist writers. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of financial independence, a lesson that resonates to this day.

The Waves(1931)

The Waves

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The easiest way to describe The Waves is as an experiment. It is far and away the most challenging of Woolf's novels; the plot revolves around six characters as they grow from children to adults. There is no real story beyond glimpses of their thoughts, punctuated by lyrical passages that describe the sun rising and setting over the waves, hence the title. It is a strange novel to get into, as it demands the reader pay close attention to every word, which can be daunting given the length. However, once you have made it through Mrs Dalloway and To The Lighthouse, you should have the tools necessary to cut through the wordplay and appreciate The Waves for what it is: one of the purest examples of Modernism in all of literature. The reason to choose this book is that it is one of the most abstract books Woolf ever wrote. 

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Conclusion

Reading Virginia Woolf for the first time can be an intimidating experience. However, once you have made it through Mrs Dalloway, you will find that the rest of her work is far more accessible. By following this suggested reading list, you will not only gain a better understanding of Virginia Woolf's work, but also of the Modernist period in general.