Night and Day by Virginia Woolf — cover

Night and Day

Night and Day is a novel written by Virginia Woolf and originally published in 1919.

The novel chronicles the lives of two friends, Katharine Hilbery and Mary Datchet, as they move in different social circles in early 20th century London and explore love, work, and life. Katharine belongs to a wealthy family and is courted by several suitors, including the older William Rodney, while Mary is a working woman who is more interested in political and social issues.

Although their paths diverge, the women remain united by their common experiences. The novel explores the theme of relationships and how they are affected by social class.

It is a poignant portrait of female friendship and an exploration of the choices we come to make in life and the consequences that follow.

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Novel Fiction Feminism Love Social change Individual vs. society

Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans

Pages
413
Reading time
14 hours 1 minutes
Pace
Intermediate
First published
1919
Language
English
Downloads
3,021

107 years later, still timely

Why Read Night and Day in 2026?

Work, love, and London’s rhythm. Woolf explores partnership without surrendering self, in prose that glows.

Today's connection

A thoughtful novel for readers interested in careers, care, and how relationships evolve when equality is the goal.

Work and vocation

Ambition that respects life.

Quiet romance

Affection tempered by freedom.

City as stage

Streets that shape choices.

Perfect for Readers interested in early feminist literature Fans of modernist literature Those exploring the dynamics of love and relationships Readers interested in the social and cultural shifts of early 20th-century England

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About the author

Portrait of Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf · 1882–1941

Sentence as camera: interior time, civic care, and experiment made luminous.

11 books by Virginia Woolf in the library →

If this one stays with you…