A review by knkoch
Maurice by E.M. Forster

emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

This was a moving and reflective portrait of a young man’s gay awakening in pre-WWI Britain. I thought that this was surprisingly tender and rich for a book written on such subject matter at the turn of the century. I heard about this after discovering Merchant Ivory made a film adaptation, which I look forward to watching now. Anything as emotionally honest and daring as this is worth a read to me!

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Content Warnings

Minor: Homophobia

Considering the dangers to being out in Britain at the turn of the 20th century (forced institutionalization, prison), not surprisingly, the men in this story are closeted. There are some slight references to Christian religious-based homophobia and intolerance, but this isn’t a story where characters are fighting against society and being persecuted, really. It’s tender and secret, and finds moments of joy and triumph.