I studied ‘To the Lighthouse’ for A-level many years ago; in those days we had to read round the set texts so I had to read other books by Virginia Woolf including ‘Mrs Dalloway’… oh how I struggled! It is obviously something about me as a reader, but I just couldn’t feel anything for any of the characters, I had no interest in the plots, the beautiful language seemed endless imagery piled on endless imagery… I was a hopeless student and only got a B.
I’m about to embark on a ‘mooc’, a massive open on-line course, and one of the books on the reading list is… ‘To the Lighthouse’. As it really is such a long time ago since I read it, I approached it with a very open mind. Many friends who I respect think it is wonderful, sometimes even their favourite book, and as I was only 17 when I read it and am now a grown up, maybe I would like it more.
Sadly no; my reading is punctuated by heavy sighs and even little groans as I plough my way through, failing to find any empathy with any character, (actually finding many of them quite preposterous) really not caring whether any of them ever reach the lighthouse. What is wrong with me? Why can’t I see its great literary merit as my friends do? Why am not able to recognize the wonderful quality of Woolf”s writing? Maybe my eyes will be opened when the course starts!
… or maybe I am not only a horsey and ducky sort of writer, but a horsey and ducky sort of reader too!
http://loiselden.com/2012/10/06/a-horsey-and-ducky-sort-of-writer/
Lois Elsden 
Its funny when you revisit an author or book after you’ve been forced to read it and analse it to death at school. But I agree that there are just some writers or books you think you should enjoy but don’t. There are classics that I just don’t get but that’s the joy of literature – something for everyone. There is a real joy in finding your literary preferences I think – a good excuse for reading!
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So true!
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Oooh what course are you moocing? I had a great experience with a mooc. And Virginia–well she writes like I think–sorta bounces all over. Little nibbles can be rewarding.
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Something about relationships in literature… can’t remember the title just right now, but also an archaeological one which I think I will enjoy more. The lit one is mainly nineteenth and early twentieth century… not really my period. A friend was doing it and it seemed fun to join her! I’ll keep you informed!
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I read and enjoyed Mrs Dalloway, but I haven’t attempted any of her other books. Stream of consciousness, when it’s well done, feels very natural. I think you need confidence in the writer so you can throw away the lifebelt of sentences and paragraphs. Then being in the flow is exhilarating.
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Good point… and how you’ve expressed it “…confidence in the writer so you can throw away the lifebelt of sentences and paragraphs”
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The reason you aren’t enjoying it might be that what is most enjoyable about Woolf’s writing is precisely her style. That is, if you enjoy it.
Recognizing the great literary merit in a work is not synonymous with relating to it. Someone once compared it to saying that your bed at a hotel is bad because it is not like the one you have at home; i.e. not for its own qualities as a bed.
At any rate you shouldn’t force yourself to like a book simply because it is considered as having literary value. Hope you enjoy the course, though. You might change your mind.
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Thank you, Alfred! I really hope I do as so many people whose opinion I respect name her as their favourite author!
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