Virginia Woolf Book Club: "A Room of One's Own"

A Room of One's Own is Virginia Woolf's short nonfiction book about writing.

Specifically, writing by women—and why there isn't more of it.

This extended essay is based on two lectures she gave at Cambridge. The fictional flourishes in her examples give her remarks a unique incandescence.

Along the way we get her lively thoughts about Keats and Shakespeare, and about what kind of writer Shakespeare's sister might have been, and about what any artist — any writer — needs in order to create.

If you are looking for a source of inspiration as we head into the dark season, look no further than into the mind that created To the Lighthouse. 

Are meetings recorded?

Yes. All meetings are recorded and emailed out automatically to everyone who's signed up—so if you miss any of the meetings, you won't miss anything. 

Who is leading this book club?

Christopher Frizzelle, the founder of FrizzLit, is the former editor-in-chief of The Stranger and the host of the Silent Reading Party. His Substack is here. He described creating these book clubs in a 2022 piece for the Washington Post.

Which edition of the book are we reading?

We are reading this edition. If you get that, you'll have the same page numbers as everyone else during discussions. That said, if you have another copy you prefer, or if you'd like to check one out from your local library, that works too.

What do I need to read before the first meeting?

Nothing. There is no reading assignment to finish before our first meeting. At that initial meeting, expect to learn about Virginia Woolf and get to know the other members of this book club. 

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. If you would like to join this class but price is a barrier, sponsorship funds are available to help make it possible. Please apply here.

Donations encouraged

If you choose to pay extra, you are automatically making a donation to the financial assistance fund. Thank you for making this class accessible to people who would not be able to afford it otherwise.

Art

Virginia Woolf portrait by Kathryn Rathke