Rachel Bowlby Livres

'A fantasy, impossible but delicious ... an exuberance of life and wit' The Times Literary Supplement First masculine, then feminine, Orlando begins life as a young sixteenth-century nobleman, then gallops through the centuries to end up as a woman writer in Virginia Woolf's own time. Written for the charismatic, bisexual writer Vita Sackville-West, this playful mock biography of a chameleon-like historical figure is both a wry commentary on gender and, in Woolf's own words, a 'writer's holiday' which delights in its ambiguity and capriciousness. Edited by Brenda Lyons with an Introduction and Notes by Sandra M. Gilbert

The book presents a compelling feminist argument that spans various aspects of life, including consumer culture, parenting, and literary analysis. It explores how these areas intersect with feminist ideals, challenging traditional norms and advocating for women's rights and representation. Through thoughtful insights and critical examination, the author encourages readers to reflect on the societal structures that influence their experiences and highlights the importance of feminist perspectives in everyday life.

The analysis delves into Émile Zola's Rougon-Macquart series, exploring its themes and character development. It also examines the latter part of Zola's life, focusing on his experiences during his exile in England. This dual perspective provides insight into both the literary contributions of Zola and the personal challenges he faced, enriching the understanding of his works and their historical context.

Over time, shops have occupied radically different places in cultural arguments and everyday lives. Back to the Shops offers a set of short, often surprising chapters, each one a window into a different shop type or mode of selling.