Rudy’s Reviews > Women in Love > Status Update

Did you read The Rainbow before this, Rudy? I know they’re connected, and I’ve always wondered how much reading the first one changes the experience of Women in Love.

Pia G. wrote: "Did you read The Rainbow before this, Rudy? I know they’re connected, and I’ve always wondered how much reading the first one changes the experience of Women in Love."

Hi Pia! No, I have not read The Rainbow yet... I was aware that this was a sequel to The Rainbow, but in all honesty my bad habit (which has strangely constantly worked in my favor) of picking up a book beacuse of its cover compelled me to read this. I was also really drawn to the simplicity of the title and of the little knowledge I have of D.H. Lawrence. It wasn't until I reached page 50 that I started wondering whether reading The Rainbow was necesarry to begin Women In Love, and to my relief it was not. When I do get around to reading The Rainbow, it will also be interesting to see how the sequel shapes my ideas about both stories. I deem it accessible without the prequel.

Rudy wrote: Hi Pia! No, I..."

That’s good to know, Rudy. I’ve always hesitated over which one to read first, but maybe starting with Women in Love isn’t such a bad idea after all. Going back to The Rainbow afterwards could be fun too, almost like reading the backstory in reverse.