Virginia Woolf's Orlando (1928)

Virginia Woolf’s novel 'Orlando' has been hailed as a masterpiece of modernist literature. Published in 1928, the novel marked a turning point in Virginia Woolf’s career. Not only was it a departure from her more introspective works, but its spectacular sales also ended her financial worries. Inspired by Woolf’s real-life love affair with aristocratic poet and novelist Vita Sackville-West, 'Orlando' (1928) tells the story of a wealthy poet in Elizabethan England. Woolf's protagonist changes sex from man to woman and lives for centuries, meeting key figures of English literary history. Through the character Orlando and his/her story, Woolf parodies the changing styles of English Literature and explores issues of androgyny and the creative life of women. In 1992, Sally Potter adapts the book for the big screen starring Tilda Swinton in the title role. The film is an international co-production of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Russia. Critics praised the film and particularly applauded its visual treatment of the settings of Woolf's novel. On Tuesday 14th of October, the group will meet online to discuss Virginia Woolf's novel 'Orlando'. (A discussion of Potter's film will follow a week ahead).