The Voyage Out is Virginia Woolf’s first novel, originally published in 1915. Set on a voyage to South America, the novel follows Rachel Vinrace, a young woman who embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and love. The story explores the psychological and emotional complexities of Rachel as she grapples with her place in the world and her personal desires. Woolf’s innovative narrative style, which would later become her hallmark, begins to emerge in this early work.

Why Read This Book

• A journey of self-discovery: Rachel’s personal growth and exploration of love, identity, and belonging make for a poignant read.
• Early Woolfian themes: The novel begins to explore themes that Woolf would later develop, such as the inner lives of women and the fluidity of time and memory.
• Historical and cultural context: The book provides a glimpse into early 20th-century social expectations, especially regarding women.
• Rich prose and insight: Woolf’s detailed and introspective writing style offers an early look at the psychological complexity for which she became famous.

About the Author:

Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) was an English writer, known for her modernist and experimental approach to narrative. She was a key figure in the literary movement known as modernism and is celebrated for her innovative use of stream-of-consciousness writing. Woolf’s works, including Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and Orlando, have had a lasting impact on the way novels are written, particularly in their treatment of time, memory, and subjective experience.