Work in Progress - continued

Now how on earth could I possibly have forgotten to mention Orlando: a Biography by Virginia Woolf? This is another Folio Society publication, illustrated by photographs, and tells the tale of Orlando, as a boy, growing into adulthood over a considerable period of time. It tells of his interests, his poetry, his relationships, his appearances in society. Orlando has lived under, and known 
intimately, as a Page, Queen Elizabeth I and after her death he meets and falls deeply in love with Sasha, a mysterious Princess associated with the Russian embassy. Their affairt takes place during the Frost Fair, on the frozen River Thames during the Great Frost of 1608. With the thaw comes Sasha's unfaithfulness and her sudden flight to Moscow. Subsequently he is pursued and beseiged by the Archdchess Harriet, which drives him to accept a mission from King Charles II which takes him to Constantinople where, during a night of considerable chaos and insurrection, he is transformed into a woman. This change of gender causes him sme slight confusion, but as with other unusual aspects of his life, he takes it in his stride. He hides out with a Gypsy clan and adopts their way of life until a conflict which has been building, ereupts and he leaves them to make huis way back to England.
And incidents on the voyage lead him to embrace his new gender and declaree; "Praise God I'm a woman!" Back home he finds himself once again pursued by the Archduchess, who now reaveals herself to be the Archduke Harry!
I first saw part of Sally Potter's beautiful film Orlando, with Tilda Swinton in the title role. Which is why I bought and am now reading the novel. I've always been a fan of Virginia Woolf, although I haven't read a lot of her works. Her relationship with Vita Sackville-West drew me to her and I have several other books ready to follow on from Orlando.