All Passion Spent by Vita Sackville-West (Virago Modern Classics)

“All Passion Spent” is a novel written by Vita Sackville-West, a prominent English writer and poet, and it was first published in 1931. The novel follows the story of Lady Slane, an elderly woman who, after the death of her husband, Lord Slane, decides to live out the rest of her life on her own terms.

Having spent her life as a dutiful wife and mother, Lady Slane finally has the opportunity to pursue her own interests and desires. She moves to a small house in Hampstead and reflects on her past, recalling the moments of joy and sorrow that have shaped her life.

As Lady Slane embarks on this new chapter of her life, she forms unexpected friendships and rediscovers her own sense of independence and purpose. The novel explores themes of aging, identity, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, as Lady Slane grapples with questions of legacy and the meaning of a life well-lived.

Sackville-West’s elegant prose and insightful characterizations make “All Passion Spent” a poignant and thought-provoking meditation on the complexities of human experience. The novel is celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of aging and its exploration of the enduring power of the human spirit.