After the Deluge I-II

Set in the aftermath of World War I, this two-volume work by Leonard Woolf explores the complexities of post-war society through the lens of personal relationships and social change. The narrative follows the lives of several characters as they navigate the shifting cultural landscape of England during the 1920s. Central to the story is the character of Edward, a disillusioned soldier grappling with the psychological scars of war, and his interactions with various figures representing different facets of society, including intellectuals, artists, and the emerging middle class. Themes of loss, recovery, and the search for meaning in a changed world are prevalent throughout the text. Woolf delves into the impact of war on individual psyches and the broader societal implications, examining how characters attempt to rebuild their lives amidst the ruins of their former existence. The interplay between personal ambition and collective experience is a recurring motif, as characters confront their own desires in the context of a society struggling to redefine itself. Through rich character development and a nuanced portrayal of the era, the work offers a reflective examination of the human condition in the face of adversity and change.