In 'The Hours,' Michael Cunningham intricately weaves together the lives of three women across different eras, each connected by Virginia Woolf's groundbreaking novel, 'Mrs. Dalloway.' As they navigate their own struggles with identity and mental health, the haunting echoes of Woolf's prose resonate deeply in their daily lives. The narrative shifts from the early 1900s to the 1950s and modern-day, revealing the timelessness of despair and the quest for meaning. Each character confronts profound choices that shape their existence, leading to a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. This beautifully layered story invites readers to reflect on the connections that bind us across generations and the art of living authentically.
By Michael Cunningham
Published: 2000
"We can choose to throw the past away, to take a leap into the unknown, and discover who we really are."
Winter 2000
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“We can choose to throw the past away, to take a leap into the unknown, and discover who we really are.”
The Hours
By Michael Cunningham
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Michael Cunningham is an acclaimed American author known for his distinctive narrative style and deep exploration of complex themes such as love, identity, and the passage of time. He gained widespread recognition with his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Hours," which intricately weaves the lives of Virginia Woolf and two other women into a poignant meditation on the struggles of existence. Cunningham's other notable works include "A Home at the End of the World" and "Specimen Days," both of which showcase his lyrical prose and ability to create rich, emotionally resonant characters. His writing often reflects a keen understanding of the human experience, making him a significant voice in contemporary literature.
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