This is the first book that I read for the 2012 Back to the Classics. (And only, so far. I better start working on that.)
One day I was sitting in class (back when I was still a student…has it really been only a year since I graduated?) and I saw a classmate reading To the Lighthouse. When I think of Virginia Woolf that’s the book that I think of. I haven’t read it, but the cover of the book that she had was pretty. (I know, I know, don’t judge a book by it’s cover!) I decided to take a look and as I was browsing books by Virginia Woolf I stumbled on the most adorable cover.
When I read the synopsis and saw that it’s about Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s (love her!) dog (love dogs!) the book immediately went on my to-read list.
Flush is the story of the life of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s cocker spaniel. It also serves as a narrative of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s life during this span of time, as the reader gets to see what is happening in her life through the eyes of her beloved dog. Fans of Browning would likely enjoy this book for that reason alone.
Even though the novel is told from the point of view of a dog, Woolf adds some social commentary on status and class. Those who are interested in that sort of thing might be interested in how Woolf integrates this commentary into the novel. I just like stories about dogs, though I did appreciate the unique view.
This book is a quick read and is recommended for fans of Elizabeth Barrett Browning or for those who would like an easy introduction to Virginia Woolf.
This is a great recommendation! I'm fascinated by Virginia Woolf, but find her prose tedious at times. I struggled with the class I took in college where we read three of her novels. This was not one of them– in fact I'm not sure I've even heard of this one! Sounds right up my alley.