Book Group: The Works of Virginia Woolf

If you have been looking for a reason to revisit the essays of Virginia Woolf, there is a local gathering coming up that might interest you. On May 15, 2026, a book group session is taking place in Brighton dedicated entirely to the work of this influential writer. The focus of this particular meeting is quite specific: it marks the centenary of her landmark essay, On Being Ill.

For those unfamiliar with the text, On Being Ill is a fascinating piece where Woolf explores the experience of illness and how it changes our perception of the world and our relationships with others. It is a thoughtful, often introspective read, and the idea behind this session is to bring people together to discuss it in the context of her wider body of work. It is essentially a space for readers to share their thoughts on how these themes resonate today, a hundred years after the essay was first published.

Since this is structured as a book group, the format is likely to be conversational rather than a lecture. It is the kind of event where you can expect to hear different perspectives on Woolf’s writing style and the specific arguments she makes about the physical and mental states of being unwell. Whether you have read the essay multiple times or are planning to pick it up for the first time, the session is designed for anyone with an interest in literature and Woolf’s specific contributions to it.

While the details regarding registration or potential costs are not explicitly stated, it is worth keeping in mind that book groups often require a bit of coordination beforehand. If you are planning to attend, it would be wise to check in with the organizers to see if there is a sign-up process or if you need to bring anything specific with you. It is a straightforward opportunity to engage with a classic text alongside other local readers in Brighton.