Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
England • 1910s
1934
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Jean Rhys's Voyage in the Dark, eighteen-year-old Anna Morgan transitions from her childhood in the West Indies to adulthood in England, finding it cold and harsh. As a chorus girl on tour, she becomes involved with the wealthy Walter Jeffries and is eventually abandoned by him. Struggling with depression and dwindling resources, Anna navigates her hardships and faces significant life decisions. Sensitive topics include abortion and depression.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Dark
Reviews & Readership
5,687 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Voyage In The Dark by Jean Rhys is lauded for its evocative prose and strong emotional resonance, capturing the alienation and vulnerability of a young woman in a patriarchal society. Critics appreciate Rhys's exploration of identity and displacement but note the novel's bleak tone and episodic structure, which may not appeal to all readers. The richly detailed, semi-autobiographical narrative remains hauntingly immersive.
Who Should Read Voyage In The Dark?
Readers who appreciate Voyage In The Dark by Jean Rhys are drawn to introspective narratives that explore themes of identity, dislocation, and vulnerability. Similar to fans of Wide Sargasso Sea by Rhys or The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, they seek poignant, character-driven stories with a contemplative and often melancholic tone.
5,687 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
192
Novel • Fiction
England • 1910s
1934
Adult
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.