Golden Age Classics

028 in print

Monday or Tuesday

by Virginia Woolf

Public domain51 pages · EnglishBritish & IrishHistory & Criticism

From the editor

Virginia Woolf’s “Monday or Tuesday” invites readers into a world crafted with her signature fluidity and keen observation of daily life. These early modernist stories, rich with introspection and experimental form, capture the essence of fleeting moments and the intricacies of human connection. Woolf's prose often dances between the mundane and the profound, making each page a gentle revelation. If you enjoyed “The Hours” by Michael Cunningham or the introspective layers of James Joyce, this collection will resonate deeply.

Synopsis

Published in the early 1900s, Virginia Woolf's "Monday or Tuesday" comprises a series of short stories that demonstrate her skill with stream-of-consciousness writing and her examination of time, memory, and how we perceive the world. Every story provides a distinct viewpoint on ordinary occurrences, frequently intermingling the commonplace with the conceptual, prompting readers to reflect on the deeper significance beneath their own life observations. The collection begins with the evocative "A Haunted House," in which two ghosts search their home for a hidden treasure. Their intangible movements are juxtaposed with a narrator's brief sensory impressions, highlighting themes of remembrance and yearning. This narrative encourages a thoughtful mindset, prompting reflection on the importance of love, loss, and the progression of time, establishing a contemplative mood for the subsequent stories.