The Hours by Michael Cunningham

Well I warned ya. Here it is. My thoughts on The Hours by Michael Cunningham. I watched the movie before I read the book. Usually I try to red the book first. Mostly, the books are always better and watching the movie first makes the reading less enjoyable for me. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and the book.

So, the what's the story. Basically, Cunningham tells the stories of three women, Virginia Woolf, Laura Brown and Clarissa Vaughan (who is called Mrs. Dalloway by her beloved Richard). We get a glimpse into each of their lives. Cunningham gives some early hints at how their stories are intertwined and all becomes clear by the end of the book.

I understand The Hours to be Cunningham's tribute and homage to Mrs. Woolf. Having never read and of her books ... including Mrs. Dalloway, I can only take the critics' word for it! The style of writing is not something I would typically enjoy. However, I noticed that it is not too far from my own (especially the use of extra dialogue in parentheses). It is however, beautifully written. It some sense it is lyrical, poetic even. But, more than the wonderful writing, the story is magnificent. I can only describe it as extraordinarily ordinary.

I would like to point out something from the book and the movie adaptation that made me laugh. Clarissa Vaughan is played (brilliantly, I might add) by Meryl Streep (okay, she is brilliant in practically everything). In the book, Clarissa passes a movie set on her way to buy flowers. While in the flower shop, she catches a glimpse of a star emerge from her trailer inquiring about a sound. Clarissa thinks that maybe, just maybe, that was Meryl Streep or Vanessa Redgrave. That scene did not make it into the movie. But that would have been hilarious.

Anyway ... on to the

Last Words: Great book, I recommend it, it is beautifully written.