Between the Acts

In June 1939, a country house hosts the annual village pageant, celebrating English history and the coming of war. Virginia Woolf's final novel explores Englishness, the artist's role, and the meaning of past and present through the characters' passionate musings and private dramas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2019
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

One of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, Virginia Woolf's novel "The Village Pageant" takes place in 1939, amidst the backdrop of a country house preparing to host its annual village pageant. As always, the pageant will weave together the stories of English history, reflecting the rich tapestry of the nation's past. However, the looming shadow of war casts a dark cloud over the entire community, altering the way people perceive the past and shaping the future.

Through her intricate and captivating characters, Woolf delves into the depths of their passionate musings and private dramas. She also introduces the enigmatic figure of Miss La Trobe, the author of the pageant. With her playful and subversive writing style, Woolf both celebrates and mocks Englishness, exploring the complexities and contradictions of the nation's identity.

"The Village Pageant" is a masterful exploration of the role of the artist in a changing world. Woolf challenges the traditional notions of art and creativity, questioning the boundaries between reality and imagination and the power of art to shape society. Through her characters, she re-creates the elusive nature of the artist, someone who is both admired and scrutinized for their unique perspective and vision.

Edited by Stella McNichol with an Introduction and Notes by Gillian Beer, "The Village Pageant" provides a fresh and insightful perspective on Woolf's writing, offering a deeper understanding of her complex and influential work. This edition is a must-read for anyone interested in 20th-century literature, as well as those who seek to explore the complexities of human nature and the role of art in shaping our world.

Weight: 146g
Dimension: 195 x 145 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241372500