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46 pages 1 hour read

Voyage In The Dark

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1934

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Book Brief

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Jean Rhys

Voyage In The Dark

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1934
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1910s

Theme
Publication Year

1934

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.0

5,687 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.0

5,687 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Anna Morgan

A young chorus-girl who has recently moved from the West Indies to England, struggling to adapt to life away from her vibrant homeland while seeking acceptance and identity in her new environment.

A wealthy, established man who pursues Anna and initially supports her financially, ultimately revealing a preference for certainty and propriety over emotional entanglements.

Walter's well-connected cousin, whose outward charm masks intentions that Anna finds untrustworthy, and who intervenes in Walter's affairs with Anna.

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.

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.

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.

Anna’s fun-loving uncle in the West Indies, known for his rebellious lifestyle and strained relationship with Hester over familial matters.

An American visiting London who enjoys gambling and women's company, including a brief encounter with Anna, while navigating personal commitments back home.

Carl's secretary, who despite his attempts at romance, offers a sense of sincerity and friendship toward Anna during their interactions.

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1910s

Theme
Publication Year

1934

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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