Mrs Dalloway

Mrs Dalloway is a book by Virginia Woolf, first published in 1925. Set over the course of a single June day in post-First World War London, it follows the inner worlds and outward routines of several characters whose lives intersect in subtle, revealing ways. The novel is widely regarded as a landmark of literary modernism, known for its stream-of-consciousness technique and its finely observed portrait of a society quietly reshaped by war, memory, and shifting social expectations. At the heart of the story is Clarissa Dalloway, a society hostess preparing for an evening gathering. Through her reflections and interactions, the novel opens up questions about time, identity, love, and the pressures of social convention. Running parallel is the experience of Septimus Warren Smith, a shell-shocked veteran whose psychological struggle stands in stark contrast to the polished social world Clarissa inhabits. Woolf weaves these threads together to create a layered, atmospheric narrative that reveals the tensions and transformations of early twentieth-century life. The book is deeply rooted in its historical moment yet retains a strikingly modern feel. Woolf’s innovative narrative style, attention to interior life, and exploration of mental health have had a lasting influence on twentieth-century literature. Readers who enjoy character-driven fiction, reflective prose, and richly textured depictions of place will find a great deal to appreciate. Its themes of post-war society, memory, and social identity continue to appeal to those seeking classic literary fiction that rewards close reading.