44 pages • 1 hour read
Between The Acts
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Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
England • 1930s
1941
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Between the Acts by Virginia Woolf is set on a June afternoon in 1939 at the Pointz Hall estate, as World War II looms. The plot centers on the Oliver family's preparations for their village’s annual pageant, featuring an author named Miss La Trobe who presents a unique, artistic interpretation of British history. The narrative explores themes of fantasy, distraction, and triviality amidst personal and global crises. The book includes depictions of strained relationships and wartime anxiety.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
8,194 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Virginia Woolf’s Between the Acts combines evocative prose and a reflective narrative to capture pre-World War II English life. Critics acclaim its lyrical and experimental approach but note its fragmented structure can alienate readers. Themes of time, art, and community are richly explored. Some find the novel’s pace sluggish, but its vivid characterizations and poetic style are praised.
Who Should Read Between The Acts?
A reader who enjoys Between The Acts by Virginia Woolf appreciates rich, introspective narratives and complex character studies. They are likely fans of Woolf's other work, such as To the Lighthouse and Mrs. Dalloway, and might also enjoy James Joyce's Ulysses and E.M. Forster's A Room with a View for their modernist themes and innovative narrative styles.
8,194 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bartholomew “Bart” Oliver
Bartholomew “Bart” Oliver
The patriarch of the Oliver family, Bart is Giles’s father and a former officer in the Indian Civil Service. He reminisces about his youth in India while maintaining traditional masculinity ideals.
Mrs. Swithin
Mrs. Swithin
Widowed sister of Bart Oliver and aunt to Giles Oliver, Mrs. Swithin is known for her eccentric beliefs and curiosity in various subjects, valuing faith and nature.
Giles Oliver
Giles Oliver
Isa's husband and a stockbroker, Giles is driven by traditional values and harbors frustrations about domestic life. He is also the father of George and Caro.
Mrs. Manresa
Mrs. Manresa
A flirtatious and bold woman visiting Pointz Hall with her friend William, she is charming and often transgresses societal standards for women, enjoying the pageant with enthusiasm.
William Dodge
William Dodge
Mrs. Manresa’s artist friend who attends the pageant. He is reserved about his artistic profession and forms a friendly bond with Mrs. Swithin and Isa.
Miss La Trobe
Miss La Trobe
The director of the village pageant, Miss La Trobe is dedicated to her work and aims for her audience to gain introspection from it. She struggles with feeling misunderstood by the villagers.
224
Novel • Fiction
England • 1930s
1941
Adult
18+ years
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