Addiction Fiction Book + Movie Review: Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
- Amy Liz Harrison
- Sep 18, 2025
- 3 min read
In a world that never seems to stop spinning, our minds often mirror the frenetic pace. Amy Liz-Harrison, host of “Eternally Amy,” invites us to a reflective pause in this episode where she masterfully bridges the gap between past and present themes of recovery, mental health, and personal growth with the timeless novel “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf.
A candid advocate for mental health and long-term recovery, Amy, currently pursuing a master’s degree in publishing, chooses Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” as the centerpiece of her master’s thesis. It’s more than a book analysis—it’s a gateway into understanding our own lives through the lens of Woolf’s intricate narratives and rich themes. Whether you’re navigating the waves of recovery, dealing with mental health challenges, or seeking meaningful societal connections, this episode has something profound for you.
Why “Mrs. Dalloway?” Written in 1925, this novel dishes out themes that resonate today: the relentless passage of time, societal pressures, mental health struggles, and the fragile dance of relationships. Through Woolf’s characters, we see reflections of our quests for identity and belonging amidst life’s chaos. These characters—each tethered to a unique past—remind us that our human emotions and interactions remain timeless.
Amy’s deep dive doesn’t end with the book. In part two Amy recommends two cinematic adaptations: the 90s film “Mrs. Dalloway” and the early 2000s “The Hours,” starring Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, and Ed Harris. These films intricately weave Woolf’s themes into visual narratives, providing a fresh perspective that complements the novel. And stay tuned for Amy’s upcoming episode, where she further unpacks these adaptations, enhancing your understanding of Woolf’s work.
The discussion also sheds light on Virginia Woolf’s life—an existence marked by personal tragedy and profound resilience. Her own struggles with mental illness and the societal constraints of her time imbue her work with authenticity and relatability. Amy’s exploration of Woolf’s world provides a compassionate backdrop to understand the themes within “Mrs. Dalloway.”
But what makes this episode truly compelling is Amy’s ability to relate these themes back to her audience. With a balance of humor and sincerity, she touches on her journey of transformation, from grappling with ADHD and rejection sensitivity to embracing motherhood and spiritual exploration. It’s an open invitation to sink into the depths of introspection—much like the oceanic themes she invites us to explore.
In a casual yet insightful manner, Amy encourages listeners to approach “Mrs. Dalloway” with an open mind, setting aside preconceived notions about its era. In doing so, she assures us that we might just uncover a piece of ourselves within its pages—the part that is navigating life’s complexities in the quest for meaning and connection.
Tune in to find courage in your journey of recovery and personal growth, and prepare to be ignited by themes that transcend time, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles.
If this deep dive leaves you hungry for more, subscribe to “Eternally Amy” and don’t miss the continuation as Amy unveils more layers of Woolf’s world in future episodes. Your path to self-discovery might just begin with a flower—a symbol of resilience and self-love—and a journey into the past.
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Embark on a journey through literature and life’s challenges alongside Sober Curator, Amy Liz Harrison—an inspiring voice in the sobriety community.
Addiction Fiction Sobees Score: 4 out of 5
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