A room of one's own :Book Review

Book Review
Title: A Room of one's own
Author: Virginia Woolf
Genre: Non Fiction/Essay

A Room of one's own is the account of the author's thoughts when she is asked to write a piece on women and fiction. 


In this prolonged essay, Woolf talks about a patriarchal society and gender roles. She wonders what would have happened if women chose a path of their own? Why weren't women able to come out with poems while the men composed one sonnet after another? At one point, she mulls over the effect of poverty on fiction and explores the living conditions of women.  She categorically states how a woman's life is constantly filled with interruptions and spent in the rigmarole of family life. Another interesting thought occurs when she imagines Shakespeare's sister and names her Judith. She wonders if this imaginary woman had the same talent and died without being able to exhibit it. 

In her brutally honest manner masked with the British poignance, she goes on to address how  the life of a woman is clearly dictated by others. She attempts to be the collective voice of those several women who according to her were probably stifled from their creative pursuits. Clearly she mocks patriarchy and at the same time describes the beautiful backdrop of the autumn season in London. 
After a lot of contemplation, she comes to the conclusion women need to have a room of their own and that it was essential for creativity. Intellectual freedom depends, she states firmly depends on material things. 

A room of one's own makes an interesting and thought provoking read. 

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