4 1/2 stars. I only read this because it fit the time spot in my Women's Century Challenge. The best thing about these type of challenges is that they put you with authors, styles and genres you may not have tried otherwise. I planned to try Virginia Woolf at some point, but it would have been with Mrs. Dalloway or To the Lighthouse, which didn't fit in this time slot. I'm thankful to have read this first since her books were supposed to have become progressively more avant-garde. Who knows if I'll like those but I loved this. Her writing is beautiful in an understated non pretentious way. It feels effortless and lyrical. I was mesmerized. 
 If you need something plot driven, stay away because you won't get that. 
 This is about Rachel, a naive sheltered young woman who takes a voyage with her aunt and uncle from England to South America, and matures through interesting conversations about politics, art, science, religion and relationships. It's short on action but long on ideas written in gorgeous prose. I'll definitely read more Woolf and likely in order. The Dalloway's were characters in this book so maybe she expounds on other characters in future books.