To the Lighthouse

By: Virginia Woolf

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

To the Lighthouse is a landmark work of English fiction. Virginia Woolf explores perception and meaning in some of the most beautiful prose ever written, minutely detailing the characters thoughts and impressions. This unabridged version is read by Juliet Stevenson.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2008 Naxos Audiobooks (P)2008 Naxos Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"British actress Juliet Stevenson makes for a better reader of Woolf's words than Nicole Kidman's Oscar-winning turn as Woolf in The Hours...Her reading is quietly, carefully precise, and that precision is a solid complement to Woolf's own measured, inward-looking prose." (Publishers Weekly)

Excellent reading

Excellent reading of To the Lighthouse. The performance is perfect, and the story is timeless.

Poetic

Glad I finally listened/read this author. As a hero to my heroes, I’ve wanted to read Woolf but never could get past the first chapter of Mrs. Dalloway. Woolf’s insight into the psyche of people, their fictitious narratives of friends/acquaintances and their personal internal battles hung together by the observances (or rebellion) of societal & familial structures rings heartbreakingly true. The writing is breathtaking and Stevenson’s narration beautiful. Highly recommend.

Fabulous reading of a must-read book

Brilliant reading by a world class actor who really gets the beauty, poignancy, and clarity of Woolf’s poetic vision.

Excellent but difficult book

What did you like best about this story?

There is little plot to this story but Woolf's detailed description of the thoughts of the characters is amazing.and insightful.

What about Juliet Stevenson’s performance did you like?

To the Lighthouse is a brilliant but difficult book. It is often told in a "stream of consciousness" style. There is no narrator and little plot. Juliet Stevenson's energetic performance makes the novel is much easier to understand.

poetry not prose

as we moved from personage to personage directed by the author to dig deeply down into èach psyche, thereby hung a tale characters and egos waging wars of deliverace.

Brilliant pairing of author and reader

Virginia Woolf is of course wonderful, but this reading by Juliet Stephenson takes her book to a new level. She never misses a beat in presenting the narrative and the voices of many characters. The pairing is brilliant. Thank you so much!

Great book... slightly complicated, but great

Any additional comments?

It's a great book, nothing to say about that... but if you're looking for action, look elsewhere. Here it's all about insight, the same scene narrated from more than one point of view - of course, the main character is Mrs. Ramsey (the one who keeps the others together), but the author shows the thoughts of the others, as well - especially how they see Mrs. Ramsey and each other...

The narrator saved me!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Had to read this book for my English class in college. I found Woolf's story intensely boring. Had it not been for such a superb narration, I don't think I could have managed to get through the novel.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I will probably listen to some other classic novel or play.

Which character – as performed by Juliet Stevenson – was your favorite?

n/a

Did To the Lighthouse inspire you to do anything?

It inspired me to avoid Woolf.

Any additional comments?

I have just discovered that I am not a fan of Virginia Woolf. I prefer novels that move at a faster pace rather than filled with useless description after description.

A good read on audible

Juliet Stevenson narrates the superbly. Very much enjoyed listening to this book while traveling to and from work.

Overwhelmingly beautiful.

I would listen to Juliet Stevenson reading her shopping list… I found V. Woolf difficult to read, but listening to this beautiful reading reconciled me with her.