46 pages • 1 hour read
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.
192
Novel • Fiction
England • 1910s
1934
Adult
18+ years
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
5,687 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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
Walter Jeffries
A wealthy, established man who pursues Anna and initially supports her financially, ultimately revealing a preference for certainty and propriety over emotional entanglements.
Vincent
Walter's well-connected cousin, whose outward charm masks intentions that Anna finds untrustworthy, and who intervenes in Walter's affairs with Anna.
Laurie Gaynor
A coworker and friend of Anna's, known for her resourcefulness and vivacious spirit, who supports Anna through difficult times with her practical advice and compassionate nature.
Ethel Matthews
A woman in her forties who meets Anna at a boarding house and proposes they live and work together, revealing complicated feelings of kindness mixed with jealousy.
Hester
Anna’s stepmother who leaves the West Indies for England with aspirations of an affluent lifestyle, characterized by her severe and self-serving maternal approach.
Uncle Bo
Anna’s fun-loving uncle in the West Indies, known for his rebellious lifestyle and strained relationship with Hester over familial matters.
Carl Redman
An American visiting London who enjoys gambling and women's company, including a brief encounter with Anna, while navigating personal commitments back home.
Joe Adler
Carl's secretary, who despite his attempts at romance, offers a sense of sincerity and friendship toward Anna during their interactions.
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.