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What readers think of The Hours, plus links to write your own review.

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The Hours by Michael Cunningham

The Hours

by Michael Cunningham
  • Critics' Consensus:
  • Readers' Rating:
  • First Published:
  • Nov 1, 1998, 230 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Jan 2000, 230 pages
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Reviews

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There are currently 38 reader reviews for The Hours
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Lisa

I thought it was an excellent book in which every woman should read. Beautifully written, it truly exemplifies how many woman have felt in the past and in the present. Kudos, Michael Cunningham, for a terrific book.
Lawrence@unpure.com

I have not flipped through the book. I have just seen the movie which is so fantastically excellent. I can imagine the book must be a difficult read as it must be full of details and artistic skills. The homosexual theme that lies subtly is presented so effectively and powerfully yet not often noticed or discussed in reviews. But smart readers or audience must not ignore as in a way it's a central thread in the book & film. The film director's sexuality must have a lot to do with the style and images contained in the film as well (in addition to his "Billy Elliot"). The attention to details, cinematography, and screeplay are just great. Don't miss it! Lawrence@unpure.com -
Debbie Doyle Newnan Georgia

I loved this book! Im just astonished that a man (M Cunnigham) can delve so deeply into a womans true psyche. I love the rich characters and story. I believe all women should accept themselves for who they are truly inside. Never be ashamed of who you are and how you live. Many people lead quiet lives of sadness. I will forevermore choose to live outloud and be who I am. I just happen to be a lesbian, but whatever your lifestyle please be proud of it. Dont lead a
quiet life of desperation. You cannot succeed by avoiding life.
GRETEL

AS THE TRUE VIRGINIA WOLF WAS BI SEXUAL I BELIEVE THIS BOOK LEADS TO THE SEXUALITY OF ALL THE CHARACTERS STATING SIMPLY THAT IS DEATH TO HIDE YOUR SEXUALITY FROM YOUR SELF SINCE THESE WOMEN SEEM TO HAVE A HAD TIME ACCEPTING THEMSELVES FOR WHATEVER THEY ARE, THEY AND ALL OF US MUST ACCEPT OURSELVES REGARDLESS OF OUR SEXUALITY AND ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE HAPPY IN OUR OWN SKINS. THIS BOOK FAR FROM WHAT I HAVE SAID SO FAR IS ALSO A MASTERPIECE IN THE WAY IT WAS WRITTEN BY NOT ONLY MAKING ITSELF A COMPLETED NEW BOOK EVEN THOUGH IT IS BASED ON vIRGINIA WOLFS LIFE AND HER BOOK MRS DALLOWAY IT IS SIMILAR YET DIFFERENT. YOU FIGURE IT OUT.
Kate

No matter who you are or what type of upbringing that you have, I can guarantee that you will be faced with archetypical notions such as love, death and sexuality. That is why Michael Cunninham’s The Hours is a must read for any person with a pulse. This books teaches that love–no matter from whom–can conquer all obstacles.

Clarissa Vaughn, symbolized a well adjusted modern day women. She handles being a minority in society, a mother to an untraditional daughter, travelling past middle age and a death of a close friend, with grace and confidence that we all can learn from.

Laura Brown, is the women the Feminist Mystique was written for.

This book touched me on a deeper level than any other book I have read thus far. It was so true to women's feelings that it is hard to believe that it was written by a man!
Max'sGinny@aol.com

The most fantastick book written about Woolf and her plight. I sincerely hope that anyone who wants to know anything about women, especially those who suffer with mental illness will read this and gain a new insight to their souls. We who have suffered for sooo long with mental illness have a new voice. If Id read this sooner I might have been able so accept my bisexual side earlier. There is a place for everyone in this world. This I hope will make the world a better place for all of us. Perhaps there will be more tolerance.
KateDrakeBrownsMillsNewJersey

Very depressing! Im so tired of the feminists feeling there lives are ALL BAD!! Goodness, we must start taking control of our own lives and desnitys. It cant be all the mens fault. Im my husbands helpmeet and love it that way. I dont even vote. My husband Robert says women should no vote and I agree.I simply trust what he has to say. Heavenly father has put me here on this earth to be submissive to my husband. Maybe if these women had husbands to be submissive to they would be much hapier and know their place.
Shearon

Michael Cunningham's book is not an easy read, but well worth the effort as the characters in the three threads come together in the end where we find ourselves enriched and unwillingly to put the book down to sadly finish the book that draws on the lives of three women, tied together in death as in life, by the hours spent in life that mark who and what they ultimately come to mean to their own lives and the lives of each other.

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