This is the ultimate homage one writer can give to another. It is the story of three women united across time and space by one powerful novel: Mrs. Dalloway, by Virginia Woolf. The characters, who are all profoundly touched in some way by the novel, are rendered in such exquisite, loving detail that the reader’s life in turn becomes entwined with theirs.

Woolf herself is one of the main characters, just beginning to write Mrs. D while dealing with the repercussions of what today would probably be diagnosed as bipolar disorder. Mrs. Brown is reading the novel in post-World War II Los Angeles, a where where she feels completely out of place, unfulfilled and trapped. And in the present day, “Mrs. Dalloway”—as she is nicknamed by her oldest friend—bustles through the day preparing for a party she is giving in her dying friend’s honor (another author).

Following the same structure as Mrs. D, the novel spans only one pivotal day in the life of each woman, a day that seems like a microcosm of their entire lives. And as their stories unfold, we gradually learn that all three women are more closely linked than it seemed at first—indeed, their lives are inextricable entwined with one another’s. ( )

Well... meant as a parody of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway, I cannot say I was strongly impressed: newer people, newer problems - populating the same old story. An actualization of the tale - using end-of-the-century people, with different problems and thoughts; well realized though - a great script for a bestselling movie.
All the couples used are gay in this book - as opposed to the original one; that changes a lot on the main character, to me. In terms of a parody - unquestionably a good one.
Kinda strange - to imagine one of Virginia Woolf's stories, with people wearing blue-jeans ! ( )

I had several reasons to read this book. First, Mrs. Dalloway is one of my favorite books and the film adaptation of The Hours is one of my favorite movies. So, I was prepared for something profound, but I was not expecting a book that would speak to me the way this one did. Michael Cunningham has a way of describing his characters' thoughts and feelings that makes me feel like he's inside my own mind. The fears, sensations, and oddities of Virginia, Laura, and Clarissa are so much like my own and it forced private feelings that I have never really acknowledged to come to the surface. Reading this book was a a very personal experience for me, but I believe that any reader will be able to enjoy it. Cunningham explores an incredible variety of emotions and demonstrates a unique understanding of human nature. I would recommend this book to pretty much everyone I know. ( )

In my opinion this book was just a pale shadow of Mrs. Dalloway. There really is no comparison with the Virginia Woolf novel - neither the writing or the story is particularly notable. I think it is highly overrated! ( )

Hours of uncertainty surround the characters from the past and present in this book. Mrs. Brown (Laura) is a young mother who wrestles with thoughts of suicide. She wants to fade away like Virginia Woolf, as she reads of Mrs. Dalloway. Yet she has obligations to her husband, young son Richard, and her unborn child. Cunningham swings between past and present, as far back to the days of Virginia Woolf, with insights into the characters' minds and reflections on their daily lives. Clarissa, renamed Mrs. Dalloway by her friend, Richard, lives in the present and is planning a party for Richard who has just won a literary award for his poetry. Richard is dying of AIDS and before the party jumps from the 5th floor to his death. In the end of the story, Mrs. Brown reappears as an 80 yr-old woman, Richard's mother. She has lived and survived her earlier suicidal contemplations. Her young son, now grown, has carried out what she only imagined. He has died, leaving her and the rest to cel...more Hours of uncertainty surround the characters from the past and present in this book. Mrs. Brown (Laura) is a young mother who wrestles with thoughts of suicide. She wants to fade away like Virginia Woolf, as she reads of Mrs. Dalloway. Yet she has obligations to her husband, young son Richard, and her unborn child. Cunningham swings between past and present, as far back to the days of Virginia Woolf, with insights into the characters' minds and reflections on their daily lives. Clarissa, renamed Mrs. Dalloway by her friend, Richard, lives in the present and is planning a party for Richard who has just won a literary award for his poetry. Richard is dying of AIDS and before the party jumps from the 5th floor to his death. In the end of the story, Mrs. Brown reappears as an 80 yr-old woman, Richard's mother. She has lived and survived her earlier suicidal contemplations. Her young son, now grown, has carried out what she only imagined. He has died, leaving her and the rest to celebrate his life while remaining to face the days ... hours they have left to live. ( )