Howards End (Dover Thrift Editions)

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It's a hit!

This is a book that needs to be discussed. I found the first third of the book pretty dull and slow-moving, giving no sense of plot. But once the... (show more)

This is a book that needs to be discussed. I found the first third of the book pretty dull and slow-moving, giving no sense of plot. But once the revolutionary political themes that are so central to the story begin to take shape, we're on a roll.

I wasn't altogether convinced by the love story, didn't really get the attraction between Meg and Henry--idealist vs. materialist--and felt maybe emotions were symbolic devices rather than intrinsicallly important and based in character.

Such a hopeful, poignant, and corny (by 2009 standards) ending. The "connect, only connect" theme that's so bravely fulfilled in the story seems simplistic by today's standards.

Definitely worth a second read and group discussion. (show less)

 

 

by Charlotte Heckscher

No, it's a flop!

Captures very well the mood in Britain circa 1910. The values of Edwardian society etc. All about the importance of class...no sense at all the Br... (show more)

Captures very well the mood in Britain circa 1910. The values of Edwardian society etc. All about the importance of class...no sense at all the Britain was only four years away from a World War.

It's the tale of three families - the wealthy Wilcox family (owners of Howards End), the idealist Schlegel sisters and the unfortunate Basts who become caught up in the shenanigans of the Wilcoxes and Schlegels.

I found it rather on the dull side plot-wise - not much happens - and more of an ideas book. You get the sense that all of the characters in the book are striving for something just out of their grasp.

I liked the image of the pig's teeth in the wych-elm at Howards End - thought it had some deeper symbolic meaning - not quite sure what!

Also Margaret's words 'Only Connect' which seems to be a deep thread running through the book.

Thought the 'soap-opera' ending was a bit strange - I won't give it away, but it jarred with the rest of the book for me.

Didn't really warm to any of the characters though, and while I'm glad I read it, I was glad to finish it! (show less)

 

 

by Janine Plunkett

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  Lovers, spouses and friends make all sorts of accommodations in order to get along with each other. Great period fiction.

   

  by Andrea Murray on Jan 30, 2008 at 05:17PM

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  This is a must read for E.M. Forster fans. It is especially applicable in today's world and our struggle to do more with less. Although the plot is a bit far-reaching, it tells a sad but honest story about complex characters who show true grit.
  I was often reminded of Emerson's "Over-soul" as I read about the two realities Forster describes--and even Emerson's own prose. There are too many beautiful lines in the novel to mention, but one of my favorites is "The most successfu... (show more)

  This is a must read for E.M. Forster fans. It is especially applicable in today's world and our struggle to do more with less. Although the plot is a bit far-reaching, it tells a sad but honest story about complex characters who show true grit.
  I was often reminded of Emerson's "Over-soul" as I read about the two realities Forster describes--and even Emerson's own prose. There are too many beautiful lines in the novel to mention, but one of my favorites is "The most successful career must show a waste of strength that might have removed mountains, and the most unsuccessful is not that of the man who is taken unprepared, but of him who has prepared and is never taken." (show less)

   

   

  by Mary Honerman on Aug 14, 2009 at 02:07AM

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