logo

77 pages 2 hours read

Orlando

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1928

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Book Brief

logo
Virginia Woolf

Orlando

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1928
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • 16th Century

Publication Year

1928

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf narrates the adventures of Orlando, a noble born male in 16th century England who mysteriously transforms into a woman at the age of 30 and lives for centuries without aging. The story captures Orlando's experiences in high society, literary circles, and eventual marriage to the gender-nonconforming Shel. The novel humorously critiques biographical conventions while exploring gender identity through Orlando's timeless journey.

Fantastical

Contemplative

Mysterious

Inspirational

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

100,615 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Virginia Woolf's Orlando garners praise for its innovative narrative, spanning centuries and tackling gender fluidity with wit. Critics admire Woolf's lyrical prose and imaginative scope. However, some find the plot meandering and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's celebrated for its daring exploration of identity and time.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Orlando?

Readers who would enjoy Orlando by Virginia Woolf are typically fans of literary modernism, lyrical prose, and explorations of gender and identity. Similar to those who appreciate James Joyce's Ulysses or Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time, they value innovative narrative techniques and profound character studies.

4.1

100,615 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Orlando

The central character whose age shifts subtly over centuries, embodying both male and female aspects throughout the historical changes of English society. Orlando's experiences and relationships serve as the focal point for exploring themes of identity, gender fluidity, and societal expectations.

The narrator who attempts to chronicle Orlando's life with factual precision while grappling with incomplete records and subjective interpretation. They blend historical detail with imaginative insight, highlighting the blend of fact and fiction.

A captivating and mysterious figure from Russia who shares a romantic relationship with Orlando and serves as a foil due to her own ambiguity and complexity. Her presence in Orlando's life highlights differences in cultural backgrounds.

A literary figure who appears sporadically throughout Orlando’s life, providing a sense of continuity and contrast with Orlando's personal evolution. Greene's profession and attitudes satirize the literary world.

A royal character who cross-dresses to attempt a relationship with Orlando, embodying themes of gender and identity performance. Their interactions with Orlando offer subversions of traditional romantic tropes.

A member of the Romani community who presents an alternate perspective on values and priorities through his encounters with Orlando. Rustum's character challenges Orlando's understanding of lineage and heritage.

An adventurous individual who quickly forms a bond and marries Orlando based on shared experiences and outlooks on gender. Their relationship with Orlando reflects personal exploration and societal adaptation.

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

England • 16th Century

Publication Year

1928

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.