I’ve just had the pleasure of listening to an audio version of Virginia Woolf”s (1927) book To the Lighthouse and have been totally enraptured by it.
I’m nominating it as The Most Exquisite Book I’ve ever read and wonder has anyone come across anything to rival it?
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
Never read it Jean … will put it on my list!
I’d be very surprised if your didn’t enjoy it, Val.
I have put this down as a book to read…Right off hand..I can’t think of any book that made an impression on me..I will have to think about this…
You must, you must! I suggest the audio over the book as the prose are so wonderful. Let me know what you think of it.
And read by Juliette Stevenson bliss! Can I recommend A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
Yes, Juliette Stevenson has the perfect voice for it.
I loved The Kite Runner so will definitely take up your recommendation, Willow.
What? Better than Pride and Prejudice? I just read your post that mentions Mr Darcy — and, lately listened to a BBC World Book Club podcast in which the consensus was that the P&P production with Colin Firth was the genesis of Mr Darcy mania that swept through our generation.
Sandy, I don’t think it’s a matter of ‘better’ ~ not comparing like with like.
As for Pride and Prejudice, I’ve never watched a film version of it. I couldn’t bear it, in case Mr Darcy and, indeed, all the rest of them didn’t match my perceptions.
I’ve yet (gasp!) To read a Virginia Woolf novel. I guess I shall start with this one, now!
Oh I agree, Wilow, A Thousand Speendid Suns is a wonderful book!
Hoarder: No one soes Mr Darcy like Colin Firth!
Hope you enjoy it, Dale.
I haven’t read it, Jean, but will add it to my list, as well.
That’s good, Lauren. Lean right into it!
Will put this one on my list!
CC, I hope you aren’t disappointed.
Oh, I agree, it’s so well written, isn’t it? Now that you’ve listened to To the Lighthouse, you might want to give The Waves a go. She experiments more with form so it would be difficult to listen to on audiobook but it’s truly an amazing piece of literature. (Mrs. Dallaway would be a good one on audiobook, however, if you haven’t already read it). So happy to discuss Woolf with another reader!
Hi Letizia, many thanks for writing. You’re obviously totally hooked. I’ll definitely read The Waves.
Letizia, just had to tell you that Mrs Dallaway was sitting in my local library on audio when I called in the other day so I’ll be reporting soon. Thanks again for the suggestion.
How wonderful and thank you for letting me know! It’s different and yet similar to To the Lighthouse (what a vague sentence but I think you’ll understand what I mean afterwards).
Will keep you posted!
Jean, I loved this book! I’ve never tried an audio book – how lovely to have Juliette Stevenson reading it. Another much-loved book is Four Letter of Love by Niall Williams. Also, I’ve just finished reading Academy Street by Mary Costello…beautifully written and very poignant.
Sorry, that should say ‘Four Letters of Love’.
Hi Patsy, lovely to hear from you.
Audio-books have been part of my life for decades. They are a delight.
I adored Four Letters of Love so it sounds like Academy Street could well be for me too. Thanks for suggesting it.
Added to wish list – time I read another classic or two.
Hi Roy, I hope your wishes come true and that you enjoy it?
I just had to let you know that I ordered this titled book and am awaiting eagerly for its’ arrival..I will let you know how I found it…
Oh, I’m delighted that you’ve ordered it. I’m bursting to hear what you think.
It should arrive by weeks end..I can’t wait to get to reading it…
WOW, that’s quick!