I really liked this book. The Shrouded Woman was such a refreshing shift from the other texts we’ve read so far, and honestly, it felt like a bit of a relief. Not only was it the first book written by a woman that we’ve read in this course, but it was also the one I found the easiest to move through and the most emotionally engaging.
Compared to some of the earlier readings, which felt dense, meandering, or overly experimental, Bombal’s writing felt clear without being simplistic. The language is lyrical, but it never felt like it was trying to confuse the reader on purpose. I wasn’t constantly stopping to reread sentences or figure out what was happening. Instead, I could actually sink into the story and let the emotions guide me, which made the reading experience way more enjoyable overall.
What stood out to me most was how intimate the narrative felt. The entire novel unfolds through the consciousness of a woman who is reflecting on her life, her marriage, and her disappointments while lying on her deathbed. That perspective alone made the book feel deeply personal. Instead of focusing on big events or dramatic plot twists, Bombal focuses on the main character’s emotions, her loneliness, her desires, and how invisible she feels. It felt quiet, reflective, and almost haunting in the best way.
I also think the fact that this book is written by a woman really matters. The way marriage, love, and womanhood are portrayed feels distinctly different from the male-authored texts we’ve read so far. Instead of romanticizing relationships or framing women as accessories to male experience, Bombal shows how confining and isolating marriage can be for women, especially when emotional needs are ignored. There’s a sadness in the novel, but it’s paired with a strong sense of awareness and self-reflection that made it feel honest rather than depressing.
Overall, The Shrouded Woman felt emotional and surprisingly modern. It didn’t exhaust me the way some of the earlier readings did, and I found myself genuinely wanting to keep reading rather than pushing through out of obligation. This book makes me excited for the rest!
Question: Do you think The Shrouded Woman would feel as powerful if it were written from a male perspective, or is its emotional impact inseparable from Bombal writing as a woman?
3 replies on “Thoughts on The Shrouded Woman”
Hi Aghus, I am glad you read this book with enjoyment rather than obligation! Its lyrical prose and fast-paced segues definitely help! I think the novel’s emotional impact is indeed not separable from Bombal writing it as a woman. I don’t think any male authors could from that time period could have written a perspective so authentic without falling short of misrepresenting a female character’s emotions.
“It didn’t exhaust me the way some of the earlier readings did, and I found myself genuinely wanting to keep reading rather than pushing through out of obligation.” You’ll notice that, as we get closer to the present, the readings may become easier to follow. Or at least we hope so!
I totally agree with you that it was the smoothest read so far and more enjoyable than the previous readings but it was still interesting and had a lot of depth to it without making it difficult to read! To answer your question I think that it would certainly be different if it were written from a male perspective. I think this can be seen in the previous texts such as Proust and Breton where I do not feel like they delve quite as deep into their raw emotions.