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A review by laurenjpegler
Howards End by E.M. Forster
4.0
"To trust people is a luxury in which only the wealthy can indulge; the poor cannot afford it.”
I think the opening quotation of my review sums E.M Forster's Howards End up in one. It is a novel that is heavily concerned with class warfare, in particular that of the middle-class. It's a melancholy tale of three families at the turn of the century: 'the rich Wilcoxes, the gentle Schlegels and the lower-middle-class Basts'.
Through these three families, and through the complete disregard for any other class, Forster comments on the hardships and prosperity of this society. Through the idealistic Margaret Schlegel, Forster represents the section of the middle-class who are in tune with their morals. Through Mr Wilcox, he represents the section of the middle-class who are pompous and only care for themselves. Through Leonard Bast, he represents the lower-middle-class who have to work hard for their money and accept whatever comes their way. It's an incredibly rich novel, drawing attention to the conflict between this seemingly neutral class.
I just really enjoyed this. Towards the middle, the narrative started to run a little dry, but thankfully it picked up towards the end when all the lies and death started to unravel. Forster has a very interesting writing voice, which I think is the main reason I was so captivated by the story. He would comment on the state of London during the up rise of industrialisation in a satirical manner, he would denounce imperialism and would criticise the gender inequality experienced in the Edwardian period. Basically, all the things I like to see in classic novels. He didn't conform to Edwardian conventions, but instead challenged them through ridicule and highly developed characters.
I'd definitely recommend this! I can't wait to finish watching the BBC miniseries (because I am totally and wholeheartedly in love with Matthew Macfadyen) !!!
I think the opening quotation of my review sums E.M Forster's Howards End up in one. It is a novel that is heavily concerned with class warfare, in particular that of the middle-class. It's a melancholy tale of three families at the turn of the century: 'the rich Wilcoxes, the gentle Schlegels and the lower-middle-class Basts'.
Through these three families, and through the complete disregard for any other class, Forster comments on the hardships and prosperity of this society. Through the idealistic Margaret Schlegel, Forster represents the section of the middle-class who are in tune with their morals. Through Mr Wilcox, he represents the section of the middle-class who are pompous and only care for themselves. Through Leonard Bast, he represents the lower-middle-class who have to work hard for their money and accept whatever comes their way. It's an incredibly rich novel, drawing attention to the conflict between this seemingly neutral class.
I just really enjoyed this. Towards the middle, the narrative started to run a little dry, but thankfully it picked up towards the end when all the lies and death started to unravel. Forster has a very interesting writing voice, which I think is the main reason I was so captivated by the story. He would comment on the state of London during the up rise of industrialisation in a satirical manner, he would denounce imperialism and would criticise the gender inequality experienced in the Edwardian period. Basically, all the things I like to see in classic novels. He didn't conform to Edwardian conventions, but instead challenged them through ridicule and highly developed characters.
I'd definitely recommend this! I can't wait to finish watching the BBC miniseries (because I am totally and wholeheartedly in love with Matthew Macfadyen) !!!