Yesterday marked the 100th anniversary of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway. How did you celebrate? I myself had a busy work day, which might be as fitting a way as any to connect with the novel’s spirit — capturing that sense of time passing quickly, with moments of reflection and the hustle of everyday life, much like the rhythm of Clarissa Dalloway’s day.

Mark Hussey’s Mrs. Dalloway: Biography of a Novel offers a wonderful reflection on this anniversary, with Hussey noting, “The day that Mrs. Dalloway was published felt like the beginning of summer, the trees in Tavistock Square already beginning to leaf.” His thoughtful exploration of the novel’s history is a perfect way to commemorate this milestone. The book is available now in the UK and will be released in the US in June by Manchester University Press.

I’m always drawn to deep dives into the development, publication, and life of a favorite novel, and this biography of Mrs. Dalloway is no exception. It is not a work of criticism, though it does engage with the critical conversations surrounding the novel over the years. Instead, its primary focus is on the life of the novel itself: What were the first signs of its conception? What do we know about its drafting, both in terms of content and the physical environment in which it was written? Hussey also examines its journey to becoming a physical book, first published by Hogarth 100 years ago, with an initial print run of about 2,000 copies, each featuring a cover designed by Vanessa Bell.

From there, Hussey traces the novel’s reception, examining its first readers and exploring how its legacy has evolved, including its relevance to contemporary readers, even during the pandemic.

As Hussey meticulously details the novel’s development, we’re invited to consider not just the creative process behind Mrs. Dalloway, but also its place within the broader context of Woolf’s career and the changing literary landscape. His exploration of the novel’s early reception, paired with the insights into Woolf’s personal and professional environment, makes this book a treasure for anyone who has loved Mrs. Dalloway — or for anyone eager to understand its lasting significance.

Ultimately, Mrs. Dalloway: Biography of a Novel is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at a book — it’s a celebration of Woolf’s brilliance and a reminder of why her work still resonates so deeply. Whether you’re a long-time Woolf fan or just starting to explore her writing, Hussey’s book will make you appreciate Mrs. Dalloway all over again.