Orlando
Orlando by Virginia Woolf, published by Read Books in February 2013, is a significant work in feminist literature, comprising 220 pages in English. This novel explores the complexities of gender, identity, sexuality, and self-discovery through the life of its titular character, who undergoes a miraculous transformation from man to woman over a span of 300 years. Beginning in Elizabethan England, the narrative examines the shifting societal roles of men and women throughout history, offering a unique perspective on gender dynamics.
Readers will find that Orlando challenges traditional gender roles and the constraints of the patriarchy, marking it as one of the first literary texts to delve into transgender themes. The story presents a mock biography that reflects Woolf’s dedication to her close friend and lover, Vita Sackville-West. As it navigates through various identities and eras, the novel invites contemplation on the nature of self and the fluidity of gender, making it a thought-provoking addition to discussions on LGBTQ+ literature and historical fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
Orlando is one of Virginia Woolf’s most-celebrated works. A cornerstone in feminist literature, the novel explores the complexities of gender, identity, sexuality, and self-discovery.
‘Love, the poet has said, is woman’s whole existence.’
Orlando follows the titular character over a period of 300 years as he miraculously transforms from a man into a woman. Opening while Orlando is living in Elizabethan England as a nobleman, we observe as he shifts through centuries and identities while Woolf compares the societal roles of men and women throughout history. Often marked as the first literary text to explore transgender characters, Orlando challenges traditional gender roles, dismissing the idea of gender binaries and the constraints of the patriarchy.
First published in 1928, Orlando was written as a mock biography for Woolf’s close friend and lover, Vita Sackville-West, as a dedication of love. Woolf is widely hailed as having been key to the first wave of feminism, and Orlando stands as a testament to her groundbreaking vision.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Orlando” about?
Who is the author of “Orlando”?
When was “Orlando” published?
What is the ISBN for “Orlando”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
