Written in 1932, I feared that this critical study of Virginia Woolf would feel dated, especially considering the vast amounts that have been written about her life and work since then. But on the contrary, this is a gem of a book, insightful, considered, concise and illuminating. A close reading of Woolf’s oeuvre to that point (she was, of course, still alive at the time) leads Holtby to a perceptive examination of Woolf’s writings and a thoughtful exploration of her life and character. Whenever I read Woolf in the future, this is definitely a book I will keep by my side.
The two women met just once and Woolf was typically dismissive of Holtby calling her “a Yorkshire farmer’s daughter, rather uncouth and shapeless.” Holtby is clear-sighted, but never dismissive, about Woolf and her study is a joy and a delight.