Mitz: The Marmoset of Bloomsbury

Mitz tells the true story of a marmoset monkey who became the unusual pet of Leonard and Virginia Woolf in 1934 London. The tiny primate entered their lives during a time of global upheaval, as war loomed over Europe and the Woolfs navigated their literary and personal worlds. The narrative follows both Mitz's journey from her Brazilian homeland to England, and the daily rhythms of life at the Woolfs' homes in London and Sussex. Through the presence of this small creature, readers gain access to intimate moments in the Woolfs' marriage, their intellectual circle, and their renowned Hogarth Press publishing house. Nunez reconstructs this slice of Bloomsbury history with careful attention to factual detail, drawing from letters, diaries and biographical accounts. She creates detailed scenes of both domestic life and the broader cultural landscape of 1930s literary London. The book explores themes of belonging and displacement, examining how unexpected connections form between humans and animals during times of uncertainty. Through this unique lens, it offers a fresh perspective on one of literature's most famous couples.

Readers note this slim biography provides an intimate glimpse into Virginia and Leonard Woolf's life through the lens of their pet marmoset. Many found it charming and appreciated the blend of historical detail with imagined scenes. Several reviews mention the book captures the essence of the Bloomsbury group without getting bogged down in academic analysis. Likes: - Well-researched historical details - Clean, engaging writing style - Fresh perspective on the Woolfs - Perfect length for the subject matter Dislikes: - Some wanted more depth about Virginia Woolf herself - A few found the marmoset focus too niche - Several mention it reads more like a long article than a book Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (970 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (49 ratings) "A small gem that packs more insight than books three times its length" - Goodreads reviewer "Charming but slight" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect palette cleanser between weightier reads" - LibraryThing review

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🐒 Leonard Woolf rescued Mitz the marmoset from a London pet shop in 1934 after finding her sick and neglected. She lived with Leonard and Virginia Woolf for four years as their beloved pet. 📚 While the book is categorized as a biography, author Sigrid Nunez used creative imagination to fill in details about Mitz's life, making it a unique blend of fact and fiction. ✒️ Virginia Woolf mentioned Mitz in several of her letters, describing how the tiny marmoset would perch on Leonard's shoulder while he worked and warm herself by the fireplace. 🏆 Sigrid Nunez went on to win the National Book Award in 2018 for her novel "The Friend," another book exploring the deep bonds between humans and animals. 🏡 Mitz lived with the Woolfs at both their London home in Tavistock Square and their country house, Monk's House in Sussex, where she had her own special cage lined with heating pads.