Mrs. Dalloway

I'm reading Mrs. Dalloway now that I have free time. I'm going to spend the summer reading all sorts of things I've wanted to read for a long time. I'm going to read lots of scholarship (mostly queer theory, in the hopes that I can think of a thesis topic—dear God let me think of a thesis topic!) and lots of plays and at least two or three novels. So yesterday I read the Cherríe Moraga play The Heart of the Earth: a Popul Vuh Story and today I started Mrs. Dalloway. I'm about halfway done with it and I am in love with this book. Here's a passage I thought I'd share

Well, I've had my fun; I've had it, he thought, looking up at the swinging baskets of pale geraniums. And it was smashed to atoms—his fun, for it was half made up, as he knew very well; invented, this escapade with the girl; made up, as one makes up the better part of life, he thought—making oneself up; making her up; creating an exquisite amusement, and something more. But odd it was, and quite true; all this one could never share—it smashed to atoms.

I am in love with this character Peter Walsh. I think he's incredible. Clarissa Dalloway is, of course, an intricate, wonderful creation, as well. This is a fabulous book and so quick a read. I can't wait to finish it tomorrow.