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192
Novel • Fiction
England • 16th Century
1928
Adult
18+ years
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
100,615 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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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.
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.
100,615 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Biographer
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.
Sasha, or Princess Marousha Stanilovska Dagmar Natasha Illiam Romanovitch
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.
Nicholas Greene
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.
Harriet/Harry, or Archduchess Harriet Griselda of Finster-Aarhorn
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.
Rustum el Sadi
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.
Shel, or Marmaduke Bouthrop Shelmerdine, Esquire
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.
192
Novel • Fiction
England • 16th Century
1928
Adult
18+ years
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