ithaka2022's review against another edition
5.0
По-прежнему лучшая книга в мире (для меня все шесть романов - одна книга). Кажется, по-английски я єту часть раньше не читала. Вспоминаю, что с детства хотела узнать, как пишется фамилия миссис Ральф Ппинррин в оригинале. Да, так и пишется. Ppynrryn. А Гордость Гедонистов - Pet of the Panjoys.
Осталась только "Лебединая песня", самая грустная, грустнее даже, чем "Сдается внаем".
Осталась только "Лебединая песня", самая грустная, грустнее даже, чем "Сдается внаем".
backpackingbookworm's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Forsyte's and co are such long-term companions to me now that no book could possibly disappoint. This particular instalment focuses mainly on Michael and Fleur - the former as he embarks on his political journey and the latter as she continues to climb the social ladder. On one particular night of Fleur's socialising, words are exchanged, letters are sent, Soames makes a scene and a scandal emerges. This was my favourite part of the book, seeing the scandal unfold and watching it progress to court.
Fleur, as always, was a selfish madam and irritated me beyond words. I hope in future books we see her mature and act like the mother and wife her son and husband deserve. Soames, who I've disliked in previous books is definitely growing on me - I truly believe he is a changed man and has softened since becoming a father and growing old.
The Foggartism element was really interesting, especially in relation to the state of England at the time the book was set. I have just learned that Foggartism is not an actual concept but is based on a policy where orphaned children were to Australia for a new start in life (unfortunately though, it often ended in abuse and cruelty).
Having read the interlude, I can't wait to see what the third volume of A Modern Comedy has in store for us!
Rating breakdown
Fleur, as always, was a selfish madam and irritated me beyond words. I hope in future books we see her mature and act like the mother and wife her son and husband deserve. Soames, who I've disliked in previous books is definitely growing on me - I truly believe he is a changed man and has softened since becoming a father and growing old.
The Foggartism element was really interesting, especially in relation to the state of England at the time the book was set. I have just learned that Foggartism is not an actual concept but is based on a policy where orphaned children were to Australia for a new start in life (unfortunately though, it often ended in abuse and cruelty).
Having read the interlude, I can't wait to see what the third volume of A Modern Comedy has in store for us!
Rating breakdown
- Plot/narrative - 4.1
- Writing style/readability - 4.2
- Characters - 3.8
- Diverse themes - 4
- Ending - 4.1
Overall - 4
lotusmeristem555's review against another edition
5.0
Glasworthy returnes to discuss the issues of women in society - are they liberated or not?
What us a good reputation? What are morals? What kind of person is, really, a flapper.
And, in a way, this is also a book about men and their wars, even when women don't want them to fight.
And, as always in the Forsyte Saga the issue of class and privilege us wonderfully dealt with.
What us a good reputation? What are morals? What kind of person is, really, a flapper.
And, in a way, this is also a book about men and their wars, even when women don't want them to fight.
And, as always in the Forsyte Saga the issue of class and privilege us wonderfully dealt with.
manwithanagenda's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
An American relative by marriage arrives and pays a call in Westminster, he is a link to the more interesting, artistic, Forsytes in time to be present at a new scandal. Soames overhears a guest at one of his daughter's parties make a disparaging remark about Fleur and defends her. What should have only been some ruffled feathers turns into a major concern and underlines just how much society has changed since the Great War.
While I have come around a bit in regards to Fleur, I still find her irritating. The social nature of this plotline had little of the dramatic edge of 'The White Monkey' for me. Mont's attempts to make a name for himself in politics is interesting historically, but also didn't have the drama I loved in the first trilogy of Forsyte novels.
What made this book readable was Soames, of course. His own interior distress at the changing times and his attempts to do right by his daughter were sympathetic and made for good reading. Soames is still moving well in financial currents and has developed an understanding of fine art, but emotions and what makes people tick are still a mystery to him. The American cousin, Francis Wilmot, has his own struggles with his fascination for the lovely and modern girl who sparked Soames outrage.
This was an interesting social critique of London society and to an extent global politics of the 1920s. I would still only recommend this for Forsyte fans.
'A Modern Comedy'
Next: 'Swan Song'
Previous: 'The White Monkey'
While I have come around a bit in regards to Fleur, I still find her irritating. The social nature of this plotline had little of the dramatic edge of 'The White Monkey' for me. Mont's attempts to make a name for himself in politics is interesting historically, but also didn't have the drama I loved in the first trilogy of Forsyte novels.
What made this book readable was Soames, of course. His own interior distress at the changing times and his attempts to do right by his daughter were sympathetic and made for good reading. Soames is still moving well in financial currents and has developed an understanding of fine art, but emotions and what makes people tick are still a mystery to him. The American cousin, Francis Wilmot, has his own struggles with his fascination for the lovely and modern girl who sparked Soames outrage.
This was an interesting social critique of London society and to an extent global politics of the 1920s. I would still only recommend this for Forsyte fans.
'A Modern Comedy'
Next: 'Swan Song'
Previous: 'The White Monkey'
kathryn08's review against another edition
3.0
I’m enjoying the continuing story of the Forsytes, although Soames is the only Forsyte in name left - the story also follows his daughter, Fleur and her husband.
I was intrigued by Michael (now a British MP) and his upholding of “Foggartism” - which included the belief that if the children of Britain could be caught young (about 14 or 15 years old) and taken out to a new land (like Australia), then this would alleviate the strain on British resources and give the children a more promising life. While not called Foggartism in real life, this policy was actually put into place (at least partially) with “orphans” brought over to Australia to live (in actual fact, not all the children brought over were orphans, causing much distress for their parents and siblings).
The other main story was of a feud which developed between Fleur and a guest at one of her gatherings who made some impolite remarks about her hostess. While a little tedious at times, it also afforded some amusement on occasion.
3.5 stars for this one, and I’m now looking forward to the 6th chronicle of the Forsytes - [b:The Forsyte Saga: Swan Song|1380987|The Forsyte Saga Swan Song (A Modern Comedy #3)|John Galsworthy|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328817618s/1380987.jpg|1700596].
I was intrigued by Michael (now a British MP) and his upholding of “Foggartism” - which included the belief that if the children of Britain could be caught young (about 14 or 15 years old) and taken out to a new land (like Australia), then this would alleviate the strain on British resources and give the children a more promising life. While not called Foggartism in real life, this policy was actually put into place (at least partially) with “orphans” brought over to Australia to live (in actual fact, not all the children brought over were orphans, causing much distress for their parents and siblings).
The other main story was of a feud which developed between Fleur and a guest at one of her gatherings who made some impolite remarks about her hostess. While a little tedious at times, it also afforded some amusement on occasion.
3.5 stars for this one, and I’m now looking forward to the 6th chronicle of the Forsytes - [b:The Forsyte Saga: Swan Song|1380987|The Forsyte Saga Swan Song (A Modern Comedy #3)|John Galsworthy|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328817618s/1380987.jpg|1700596].
librosprestados's review against another edition
4.0
John Galsworthy veía venir una crisis económica y posiblemente otra guerra en 1924. John Galsworthy era capaz de ver que la supuesta libertad y relajación moral de las nuevas generaciones no era tal, sobre todo en cuanto a los hombres y su visión de las mujeres. John Galsworthy era un escritor que escribe un alegato feminista, aunque no se declare abiertamente, con un personaje femenino que es imperfecto y que dista mucho de ser una santa.
Es decir, John Galsworthy era más feminista que muchas autoras del siglo XXI, sobre todo si escriben romántica, y lo más sangrante, si escriben romántica juvenil. Porque en un libro actual, Marjorie Ferrars sería esa zorra que le hace la vida imposible a nuestra noble protagonista (aunque esa protagonista de "noble" solo tenga el hecho de que lo dice el o la autora). Y Marjorie Ferrars es la antagonista en esta novela y ese antagonismo con Fleur es lo que mueve mayormente la trama; pero sutilmente, y aunque al principio no lo parezca, Galsworthy termina construyendo con ella el relato de la doble moral de la época. Del "si somos súper liberales y respetamos mucho a las mujeres", pero luego, a la hora de la verdad, un hombre puede hacer cosas y se le permiten comportamientos (sobre todo en cuanto al sexo y más concretamente, el sexo antes del matrimonio) que en una mujer se reprueban del todo. Y Galsworthy monta este discurso sin que en ningún momento tenga que ser amable con Marjorie o tratarla de mártir o justificarla en absoluto. De la misma manera que Fleur, la protagonista (o una de ellos), no tiene que ser siempre buena y sacrificada para que puedas empatizar con ella.
John Galsworthy es muy bueno desarrollando personajes con muchos defectos y explicando no solo por qué son así, sino empatizando de alguna manera con ellos, de tal forma que puedes comprender por qué hacen las cosas aunque no compartas su punto de vista.
El otro motor de la novela es el día a día de Michael Mont como político y su teoría: el "foggartysmo", que según él impedirá la crisis que va a llegar. Resulta chocante que Galsworthy escribiera esto en 1924, es decir, en mitad de los "alegres años veinte" y fuera perfectamente consciente de que la fiesta se iba a acabar. Es más, es perfectamente consciente de que la fiesta no va tan bien como la gente dice. Es como un economista avisando de la crisis antes de 2007 (que los hubo, y se les ignoró). El "foggartysmo" es un poco loco, sí, pero también es una excusa para hablar de la política de la época.
Esta nueva trilogía de Galsworthy es más ligera que la original de "La saga de los Forsyte", más tendente a la comedia tal vez, pero también tiene pinceladas de las que la primera carecía, como escribir y meter como personajes a gente que no es parte de la alta burguesía a la que pertenecen los Forsyte, sino a la clase trabajadora, a la clase baja.
No sé al final cómo acabará todo esto, pero estoy deseando saberlo.
Es decir, John Galsworthy era más feminista que muchas autoras del siglo XXI, sobre todo si escriben romántica, y lo más sangrante, si escriben romántica juvenil. Porque en un libro actual, Marjorie Ferrars sería esa zorra que le hace la vida imposible a nuestra noble protagonista (aunque esa protagonista de "noble" solo tenga el hecho de que lo dice el o la autora). Y Marjorie Ferrars es la antagonista en esta novela y ese antagonismo con Fleur es lo que mueve mayormente la trama; pero sutilmente, y aunque al principio no lo parezca, Galsworthy termina construyendo con ella el relato de la doble moral de la época. Del "si somos súper liberales y respetamos mucho a las mujeres", pero luego, a la hora de la verdad, un hombre puede hacer cosas y se le permiten comportamientos (sobre todo en cuanto al sexo y más concretamente, el sexo antes del matrimonio) que en una mujer se reprueban del todo. Y Galsworthy monta este discurso sin que en ningún momento tenga que ser amable con Marjorie o tratarla de mártir o justificarla en absoluto. De la misma manera que Fleur, la protagonista (o una de ellos), no tiene que ser siempre buena y sacrificada para que puedas empatizar con ella.
John Galsworthy es muy bueno desarrollando personajes con muchos defectos y explicando no solo por qué son así, sino empatizando de alguna manera con ellos, de tal forma que puedes comprender por qué hacen las cosas aunque no compartas su punto de vista.
El otro motor de la novela es el día a día de Michael Mont como político y su teoría: el "foggartysmo", que según él impedirá la crisis que va a llegar. Resulta chocante que Galsworthy escribiera esto en 1924, es decir, en mitad de los "alegres años veinte" y fuera perfectamente consciente de que la fiesta se iba a acabar. Es más, es perfectamente consciente de que la fiesta no va tan bien como la gente dice. Es como un economista avisando de la crisis antes de 2007 (que los hubo, y se les ignoró). El "foggartysmo" es un poco loco, sí, pero también es una excusa para hablar de la política de la época.
Esta nueva trilogía de Galsworthy es más ligera que la original de "La saga de los Forsyte", más tendente a la comedia tal vez, pero también tiene pinceladas de las que la primera carecía, como escribir y meter como personajes a gente que no es parte de la alta burguesía a la que pertenecen los Forsyte, sino a la clase trabajadora, a la clase baja.
No sé al final cómo acabará todo esto, pero estoy deseando saberlo.
More...