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Though not specifically intended I too have been reading female authors this month (Brina) and with this read of "NaD" have now completed all of VW's novels (some twice). I truly admire her work and will continue to read works not yet gotten to as well as revisit now my favorites (novels). "NaD" she claims to be a lesser work (her second novel) written piecemeal during one of her many bouts of depression - it's linear not yet employing her soon to be characteristic stream of consciousness laden style of storytelling we come to know so well. Nevertheless it is a fine enough novel that does delve into the psychological workings of her characters as they grapple with the story arc however conventional. It's a story set in her familiar London surroundings and during a time we know her to be feverishly plotting her way into the style she would become famous for. She brings in bits and pieces of the political issues of the time including women's suffrage and class equality issues. Her main character Katherine Hilbury is supposedly fashioned somewhat upon her sister Vanessa but we see also much of Virginia herself within the private thoughts of KH. Here's Katherine ruminating on a peripheral character Mary (the suffragist engaged character whose flat they are in while having a few moments together): "The green-shaded lamp burnt in the corner, and illumined books and pens and blotting-paper. The whole aspect of the place started another train of thought and struck her as enviably free; in such a room one could work - one could have a life of one's own." Hmmm, sound familiar?

This was a love story of the kind to build carefully through the difficulties and setbacks up to a climactic resolution where characters must learn who they are or are to become in order to find that happiness that's always the goal it seems for us humans no matter what age we come from. Even though throughout much of the novel the two main protagonists are bewildered about and question if, happiness in love is something worthy or real to strive for in a union of marriage. It's kind of funny but I could not help conjuring up scenes from "Moonstruck" the movie where Loretta Castorini and Johnny Cammareri (characters much like KH and William Rodney of "NaD") and their back 'n fourth's as they jockey themselves in and out (night and day) of commitment towards marriage. The Mother, Father and other family members' interference and/or assistance too as well as the comedic resolution all bear some resemblance to that fun movie that always delights with another viewing. It's ok to have things turn out "sometimes" now isn't it?!