Reviews

A Room With a View by E.M. Forster

kalirossi's review

funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

laughriot's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

mbomersheim's review against another edition

relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while, so when I saw it in a used bookstore, I took it as my opportunity to read it.  

A Room with a View by E. M. Forster is a modern classic following Lucy, a young woman, as she deals with the complications of love and maturing in society. That is honestly one of the worst book descriptions I’ve ever written, but oh well. Not much happens in this book, and though it is on the shorter side, it felt kind of long at times. It wasn’t bad by any means, but I found most of the characters unlikeable, and much of this book hinges on a complete lack of communication between them. I definitely liked the other book I’ve read by this author, Howard’s End, better. 

althornton's review

emotional reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

calmar46's review

hopeful lighthearted

3.0

emmayu918's review

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

amandaskye's review

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted

• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

libby_sarah's review against another edition

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I wanted to like this book more but essentially, not enough happened. I wanted more plot.

This is classed as an early feminist novel and I enjoyed having a female character talk about her wants and thoughts of the world in a time where women had few rights. But I think there are better examples out there than this book. I did enjoy that her fiancé had a moment of really listening to Lucy and hearing her for the first time, it was good that he was shown as being able to change. 

There were a few moments that were very funny, especially in the way of the upper English class being snobby. I liked how it created a very clear image of Florence and Surrey (not far from where I live!), there was some beautiful descriptions.

Best part of the book was the pond scene that was definitely and wonderfully gay. It was so descriptive and it was so great to read about their freedom, joy and frivolity. Wish there had been more of that!

All in all, it was an ok read and I enjoyed talking about it with my bookclub. 

amydobrzynski's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

isobelkb's review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0