What readers think of Vanessa and Her Sister, plus links to write your own review.

Hmm, so apparently we didn't invent free love in the '60s!
Other reviewers have amply described this book's style and contents. I would just add two observations. One, you will never look at Virginia Woolf the same way again. Though many references are made to her mental illness, the book gives the overwhelming impression that Virginia torments her sister Vanessa out of a lifelong, deep-seated and very mean-spirited jealousy, up to and including destroying her marriage. For me this put a severe tarnish on Virginia's halo as a feminist author. Equally troubling is the omission of the sexual abuse both sisters suffered at the hands of their half-brothers, George and Gerald Duckworth. Since these men were included in this intimate tale, this information seems highly relevant. Having said that, this book was an absolute joy to read. Quirky, clever, heart-rending, original. The author, Priya Parmar, has a poetic flair that is highly suited to "channeling" the voices of the Bloomsbury Group. I highly recommend this book even if you don't know these people or think you care about them.

This book was hard to put down. The format Parmar chose to cover this period in history, and the people of the Bloomsbury Group, was outstanding. The primary focus on Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf and their relationship was intriguing and heartbreaking. Anyone who is interested in art and letters will find this book well worth reading.

This was a very entertaining look into an interesting period in history, and it was written in an engaging style. Diary entries, letters, telegrams and postcards are intermixed in such a way that the reader is drawn into the lives of the characters.

I felt I was given a clear glimpse into the times (early 1900's London) and into the lives of Vanessa Stephen Bell & Virginia Stephen Woolf. A gripping story-line was combined with historical events to create an enjoyable read. I really liked this book, and I think it will appeal to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

It took a bit to get into the rhythm of the book, but once I got comfortable with the format I loved it. Although I was familiar with Virginia Wolf, I wasn't familiar with the Bloomsbury Group and their influence on literature, as well as their modern attitudes on feminism, pacifism and sexuality. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.

This interesting and well-written novel about the Bloomsbury group, focusing on the relationship between painter Vanessa Bell and her sister Virginia Woolf, was entertaining, as well as heartbreaking in parts. Particularly interesting to me was the "unconventional" nature of their circle, including open discussions of sex and acceptance of homosexuality. The device of including travel tickets and telegrams in the text was more distracting than intriguing, and Virginia came off as an extremely selfish and unkind person, but I highly recommend this book, especially to anyone with an interest in the art and writing scene in Britain in the early 1900s.

Very pleasantly surprised! Was initially unsure if format (using diary entries, letters and even telegrams) would be to my liking but it was perfect for this story. I was intrigued from very first chapter and my love of this book continued to grow as it progressed. I found my self re-reading sentences and phrases simply to savor the language used or the images created. Story flowed nicely, language was creative and smart and characters were memorable for the way they were revealed. A much enjoyed experience. So glad I requested this book. Bravo!

An amazing blend of fact and fiction, much like the novel, Loving Frank! Vanessa and Her Sister brings to life the hedonistic members of London's Bloomsbury Group in the early 1900's as seen through the eyes of the soon-to-be famous Stephens sisters, later Painter Vanessa Bell and Writer Virginia Wolfe. Their friends are equally notable later in life but here they are dashing through a privileged jet set lifestyle before jets. Documents, post cards, and journals weave together a Virginia Wolfe who is understandable though not always admirable. Fact and imagination blend smoothly. At the end, the author gives a short bio on each noted character and we find the most bizarre facts are the true ones.

I could not put this book down. Convincingly written as Vanessa Bell (nee Stephen) diary entries, we see the interactions between the siblings and their soon to be infamous group of friends, the Bloomsbury group. As an intro to the early 20th century "leaving" of Victorian England, this story shows how life was changing and becoming more modern. Most importantly though is the relationship between Vanessa and her sister Virginia as they try to find a place in this world of arts & letters without destroying each other in the process. The inclusion of post cards, letters, and train/ship ticket facsimiles lends an air of authenticity to the story. I highly recommend this novel.