A Writer's Diary

By: Virginia Woolf

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

From 1918 to 1941, even as she penned masterpiece upon masterpiece, Virginia Woolf kept a diary. She poured into it her thoughts, feelings, concerns, objections, interests, and disappointments -resulting in 26 volumes that give unprecedented insight into the mind of a genius.   

Collected here are the passages most relevant to her work and writing. From exercises in the craft of writing; to locations, events, and people that might inspire scenes in her fiction; to meditations on the work of others, A Writer's Diary takes a fascinating look at how one of the greatest novelists of the English language prepared, practiced, studied, and felt as she created literary history.

©1982 Quentin Bell and Angelica Garnett (P)2018 Tantor

It is wonderful to listen to her diary, with which I have long been familiar, being read. It adds so many new dimensions to it.

Please ignore those who complain about the reader. She is exceptionally good. capturing the nuances vocally. I think some wanted someone who sounded like the Virginia they imagined. That's no basis for criticism. This reader knew what she was doing. Very enjoyable, moving and insightful especially in regards to her thoughts about The Waves.

Beautiful Writing, but the Narration Misses the Mark

Virginia Woolf’s A Writer’s Diary offers a deeply intimate glimpse into her inner world. While the narrator is clearly talented, their interpretation feels misaligned with the spirit of the work. A more restrained and intimate performance would have better honored Woolf’s voice and the personal nature of these entries.

It's difficult to stand the American narrator

If you imagine Virginia Woolf sounded like the bouncy American, Elizabeth "Cora" McGovern, then you'll enjoy this over-dramatic, strangely affected, narrator's interpretation.

One thing I forgot

There’s also a problem with pronunciations. At one point the phrase “poor fellow” was pronounced “feller” — a clear slippage. Another was the name of the the town (and region) of Cassis France. It’s pronounced Cassí, no “s”, emphasis on last syllable. Actually two things, the second being that the cadence and tone, while not wrong per se, we’re too strong, to the point that the reader’s voice was raised as in a fight, high-pitched and really really annoying. I had to turn the volume down. Again who in the world thought this was the way to go?!

Unfortunate choice of narrator

A writers diary is the wonderful work of a the renowned Edwardian British author. The American accent of the narrator distracts completely from the atmosphere and reality of the work.