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thepictureofromance's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The writing in this book was superb, I like Forester's style and he's really quite funny!!
I unfortunately am giving it three stars rather than four because every single character in this story is a bit of a twat, Although I enjoyed the story, I could not find myself rooting for any of them and having a character I can truly root for is what takes a story from good to great in my opinion!!
I was also frustrated at the ending. I am not a fan of books with open endings. Is it so hard to give proper closure?!
I unfortunately am giving it three stars rather than four because every single character in this story is a bit of a twat, Although I enjoyed the story, I could not find myself rooting for any of them and having a character I can truly root for is what takes a story from good to great in my opinion!!
I was also frustrated at the ending. I am not a fan of books with open endings. Is it so hard to give proper closure?!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Homophobia, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Misogyny and Racism
Minor: Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
writtenbypoets's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Grief, Classism, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual assault
penginn's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. I thought the writing was beautiful and that the characters were interesting. But, I wish I could have a conversation with Forster about what his intent behind how each of the characters change over time was. They made sense, but I just wish I knew what he was thinking sometimes. Maybe the problem was that this is the first historical classic I've read outside of school and, as the focus shifted to more domestic and political problems as the book went on, I was lost somewhere along the talks of cricket.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Self harm and Sexual assault
dandelionseeds's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Misogyny
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual assault
ohlhauc's review against another edition
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I think a lot of the reputation this novel has stands on Forsters' oeuvre in general and also that he chose not to publish it during his lifetime. Writing- and story-wise, it's not particularly special or engaging, and I found it quite dry. In a terminal note, the author did worry that the novel wouldn't age well and I think some of his concerns are valid here - not simply the references that are no longer common, but also the misogyny and discussion of sexuality.
That said, it does show the main character struggling with and coming to terms with his sexuality amidst an environment where he feels pressure not only to hide himself but also to repress and "cure" himself. That was heartbreaking. This is an important story to tell, especially from the early twentieth century, when it was written.
This book has value more as a historical document than a great story, in my opinion. If you're interested in coming of age stories, Edwardian literature, and gay romance, you might appreciate this. If you do read, it's definitely worth checking out a copy with an introduction or doing other reading to understand the context in which it was written.
That said, it does show the main character struggling with and coming to terms with his sexuality amidst an environment where he feels pressure not only to hide himself but also to repress and "cure" himself. That was heartbreaking. This is an important story to tell, especially from the early twentieth century, when it was written.
This book has value more as a historical document than a great story, in my opinion. If you're interested in coming of age stories, Edwardian literature, and gay romance, you might appreciate this. If you do read, it's definitely worth checking out a copy with an introduction or doing other reading to understand the context in which it was written.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Medical content, Misogyny, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death
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