The Voyage Out: A Quick Read edition

Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 13 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 20 minutes

"The Voyage Out" is the debut novel by Virginia Woolf, published in 1915. Woolf began working on the novel around 1910 and finished an early draft by 1912. The novel explores themes of feminine consciousness, sexuality, and death, which would become prominent in Woolf's later works. In 1981, an alternate version of the novel titled "Melymbrosia" was published, featuring more candid political commentary on issues such as homosexuality and colonialism. The plot follows Rachel Vinrace as she embarks on a journey to South America, experiencing self-discovery and encountering a diverse group of passengers. The novel introduces Clarissa Dalloway, a central character in Woolf's later novel "Mrs Dalloway." The book received critical acclaim for its unique and inspired storytelling, with E. M. Forster praising its unity and Phyllis Rose highlighting its portrayal of youth and the excitement of life. Woolf's review copies for the USA publication are held in private collections and the University of Sydney. Overall, "The Voyage Out" is a significant work that showcases Woolf's early brilliance and sets the stage for her future literary achievements.