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Vanessa En Virginia (2008)

by Susan Sellers(Favorite Author)

3.29 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

9047201213 (ISBN13: 9789047201212)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Artemis & Co

review 1: It takes a few pages to realize this is Vanessa's story not the more renowned Virginia Woolf. The story is written in first person to Virginia so the sentences are like: "Your hand is on my arm. I have forgotten you in my musings. I pull back the bedclothes and make room for you. We lie shoulder to shoulder, comforted by each other's presence. You clear your throat and begin." I found that a bit distracting to the telling.You must already know things like, Virginia Woolf committed suicide. She left a note for her husband, Leonard, and for her sister, Vanessa. Then, Virginia walked to the River Ouse, put a large stone in her pocket, and drowned herself or you will not understand when out of the seeming blue Vanessa wonders, "Did you remember me, Leonard, the children, as yo... moreu left your stick on the bank and strode out into the swirling water, or were all your thoughts bent on escaping what you could no longer bear to endure?"This story of Vanessa and Virginia is told in a somewhat vague way with regard to major events like George's suspected relationship with his half-sister, Virginia or the sudden marriage of their sister Stella to Jack or the suicide of Virginia. Yet the author tells in a very detailed way about nuances to how someone spoke, what they meant, where they placed their hands. It is not a detailed historical account but instead a prosaic story of two very talented and passionate women.It is a complex life that Vanessa and Virginia lead and their relationship to one another is unique and binding. Vanessa's many sexual relationships while remaining married and Virginia's illnesses are sad testimony to their confused lives.This story is told in an intriguing way that makes you want to do a little more research on these very colorful women.
review 2: Vanessa & Virginia tells the strange and moving story of Vanessa Bell, painter and elder sister of Virginia Woolf. Though it's beautifully set against fascinating backdrop of Bloomsbury, it's actually a fictional account, told as a kind of memoir or diary written by Vanessa, exploring the strong affection and fierce jealousies between herself and her sister.Vanessa's struggles as a lover, mother and artist make for a powerful, unpredictable and extremely moving read. And the writing is beautiful and haunting, lingering long in the mind. A book of great emotional power. Highly recommended! less

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