This novel was released in 1922, and utilises a mysterious protagonist, Jacob who often we learn deeply and intimately through others. An allusion to the effects of absence and loss, in beautiful prose, yet lyrical detachment. An allegory to the loss to the world of young men in war. 'Life is but a procession of shadows,'

Loved this such an unusual premise, to write a book about a character, whom you only really get to know through everyone's interactions with or experiences of them. It works extremely well not only because of Woolf's skill as a writer but also because this is the story of a young man who was killed in the first world war, therefore there is a sense of looking back over his life as you do when someone dies so young. In terms of the politics of the day, there are references to India and the upcoming Home rule legislation in Ireland. I'm really enjoying the way that Woolf can move between small domestic moments, whilst showing that people also considered the larger political landscape.