The Hours Book Summary

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."

Book Review of The Hours

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