Title: Flush
Author: Virginia Woolf
First published October 1, 1933
204 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780156319522 (ISBN10: 0156319527)
Rating: 3.86
Overview
The captivating tale of Flush, Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s beloved cocker spaniel, will transport readers from the very beginning. As Flush navigates through challenges such as confronting intimidating dogs, dealing with unpleasant maids, and escaping robbers, readers will also gain insight into the life of Barrett Browning.
Trekkie Ritchie provides a thought-provoking introduction to this heartwarming story.
About the Author
Adeline Virginia Woolf is a highly acclaimed English novelist and essayist, whose impact on modernist literature in the twentieth century is widely recognized.
Woolf was a prominent member of the literary society in London during the interwar period, and was closely associated with the Bloomsbury Group. Her literary contributions include several influential works like Mrs.
Dalloway (1925), To the Lighthouse (1927), and Orlando (1928), as well as the book-length essay A Room of One’s Own (1929), which famously argues that women must have financial independence and a personal space to be able to write fiction.
Editoral Review
Flush is a novel written by Virginia Woolf that was first published in 1933. The book centers around the story of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s dog, Flush, who was a beloved pet that lived a privileged life in 19th century England.
Woolf was known for her modernist works that explored the inner lives of characters through stream-of-consciousness writing, and Flush is no different. The book is a blend of biographical fiction, social commentary, and cultural critique that explores themes such as love, loyalty, class, and privilege, which were relevant to the time when the book was written.
The book opens with the arrival of Flush into his new home as a young puppy, where he is immediately loved by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who he becomes inseparable from. We see the world through Flush’s eyes, as he experiences both the luxury of his privileged life and the struggle faced by those less fortunate than him.
When Elizabeth’s health declines, she is forced to marry Robert Browning, and the couple moves to Italy, taking Flush with them. Here, Flush encounters a new language, culture, and way of life, which challenge his understanding of the world and his role in it.
Amidst political turmoil and unrest, we see the power dynamics and prejudices of the time through the eyes of an innocent and faithful dog. Woolf’s storytelling is vivid and immersive, allowing the reader to experience the world from Flush’s unique perspective.
Flush is a well-crafted and insightful novel, exploring themes that are still relevant today. Woolf’s modernist style and layered characterization are particularly impressive, and her adept use of language creates a strikingly beautiful and emotive novel.
However, the book does have some limitations. At times, the stream-of-consciousness writing style can be difficult to follow, and the characterization of human characters, particularly Elizabeth Barrett Browning, can be underdeveloped.
While the pacing of the book is generally good, there are some slower moments that may cause the reader’s attention to wane. Overall, Flush is a beautifully crafted novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships and privilege.
The book is a classic example of Woolf’s modernist style, with its penetrating insights into the human psyche and its experimentation with form. The book’s themes, such as loyalty and power dynamics, are still relevant today, making it an important read for anyone interested in exploring the human condition.
For those who enjoy literary fiction, Woolf’s writing is a must-read. Though, the book may not be suitable for all readers, particularly those who are not familiar with modernist writing styles.
I rate this book a 4/5 for its beautiful writing, vivid characterization of Flush, and exploration of important themes.
