This is both a difficult and fascinating novel to read. It has been described as one of the best novels of the 20th century. I'm not sure if I would describe it as such (being neither a writer or critic myself), but it definitely leaves an impression.
The Ramsay family plan to sail the next day to a nearby lighthouse from their summer home on the coast of Scotland, somewhere around 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay have 8 children and several guests staying at the house with them, each of them engaged in their own interests and pursuits. The novel is written from multiple points of view, meaning that the reader is privy to the inner thoughts, opinions, and observations of each and every character. To be frank, it's confusing until you get into the rhythm of the story. Most of the "action," more accurately described as "thoughts," takes place in one day, where young James hopes to be able to sail to the lighthouse, his beautiful mother tends to her children and guests, and volatile Mr. Ramsay predicts rain, making the trip unlikely, and suffers mood swings.
I know that I am vastly simplifying this novel. It is the kind of thing where you really need to go back and read it again, and perhaps again before you can absorb the complexity of the psychological and emotional relationships flowing throughout. I'm not sure if I want to do that, but if you are looking for an interesting literary challenge, here it is!
By the way, we read this book for our Vintage Book Club and only 1 person showed up for the discussion!
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