Moments of Being

Most everything that Virginia Woolf wrote was enchanting and her autobiographical writings are no exception. The details of her life are obviously accessible from many sources. But to read her own account of it provides a window into that room of her own. And the portrait that emerges is one of a surface witticism and comedic banter hiding the deeper tragic perspective that ultimately consumed her personality. In her private writings the many sufferings she had to bear both from fate and society are the predominant theme. In the public writings these same events are described as so many irreverent adventures. For those who have read and loved both To the Lighthouse and the Common Readers this change in tenor will come as no surprise. For these devoted readers, the personal recollections from both perspectives are, surprisingly enough, sheer enjoyment. Of course the book contains reminisces of Bloomsbury that are of more than personal importance. But I believe the book will most be treasured by those for whom a Woolf novel is itself a moment of being—the term Woolf used to describe a sudden eruption of the full force of reality. The tragicomic worldview has been known since the ancient Greeks. But rarely has it been so movingly expressed as by Virginia Woolf. Moments of Being is not only about Woolf’s moments of being but was, for this reader, a personal moment of being. Highly recommended.

Moments of Being: a collection of Autobiographical Writing of Virginia Woolf. The book is edited with an introduction and notes by Jeanne Schulkind. One reviewer commented, "By far the most important book about Virginia Woolf that has appeared since her death." This book is a collection of five memoir pieces written for different audiences over four decades. I remember reading about Virginia Woolf during my literature classes at Portland State University. Since many years have past, I was curious to read more about her. Her writings are so moving the reader can see what life was like during those times. Virginia Woolf was so ahead of her time. I love her quote, "For most of history, Anonymous was a woman." She also states, "I can only note that the past is beautiful because one never realizes an emotion at the time. It expands later, and thus we don't have complete emotions about the present, only about the past." "Language is wine upon the lips." shows how she can play with words to create the picture she wants. Always truthful, "A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction." A must for the Virginia Woolf collectors, literature students, and those who love great writing!

Woolf's autobiographical sketches/diaries/accounts provide intimate insight into her transformation of her childhood memories into her art, especially for To The Lighthouse. Anyone interested in Woolf will find these fascinating, moving, informative.

A very interesting and inspiring book. It sent me back to my favorite Virginia Woolf novels

A complex and many layered memoir that helps explain why Virginia Woolf became such a sensitive and highly talented writer.

Very interesting. Arrived as scheduled.

The book arrived and was exactly as expected. Thanks for a perfect sale.

This book is highlighted in pink throughout with notes written in the margins. This was mentioned no where in the ad.

Moments of Being in Kindle is a short story by V.Woolf and not the book it pretends to be which is entirely different - the paper version is a collection of autobiographical writings.

It is not an easy read but it is a wonderful snapshot into the mind behind the stories. I’ve really enjoyed this book and the many parts contained within. If you are a fan or studying her,, this is a must have

Thoughts beautifully expressed and an important work but lang. is rich, perplexing and Woolf is herself. I hoped for longer . I need more heart and soul of Woolf.

I prefer more clear and direct reading however she has a voice, once you become acquainted with, becomes quite intriguing and interesting to read.

If, like me, you find Virginia Woolf's novels hard going, you must nevertheless read these autobiographical memoirs. They were not intended for publication and in consequence perhaps are in parts very funny, indiscreet, moving and shocking. They were first published in 1976 and a new edition with 75 previously unpublished pages was published in 1985. This new material is very significant since it deals with Virginia's and Vanessa's difficult relationship with their father and the extraordinary family ambiance in which they lived. When this 1985 edition appeared, as Hermione Lee says in her introduction, it seems to have slipped below the critical radar (my phrase!) and was virtually ignored. At that time I was reading Virginia Woolf's diaries and letters (which I can also say are immensely readable) and I am sure I would have heard about this volumn if it had been widely reviewed. A fascinating portrait of a remarkable woman.