A Room with a View

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It's a hit!

I read this book back in.. Middle School? And I can honestly say that hardly did it justice. Fortunatly, I re-read it online yesterday (on a whim- ... (show more)

I read this book back in.. Middle School? And I can honestly say that hardly did it justice. Fortunatly, I re-read it online yesterday (on a whim- I have a shirt with a quote from Walden which got me thinking about how I remembered it being used in some other great work and then everything snowballed and I said "Ah, hell, it's only a short book.")

At first glance, this is an incredibly simple book. Like many books before (and after), this book features a prominent "I love him but I'm afraid to love him" relationship. (I see your Bella and Edward and raise you Lucy and George!) Anyway, to call a book simple is by no means an insult. In fact, this book CHAMPIONS simplicity: It operates within stereotypes in such a way that sticks with the readers for years to come.
In fact, I dare to venture that every girl of about 20 that has read this book has fancied herself to be Lucy, undergoing an amazing and dazzling transformation from unconfident milk-toast to a wild, rebellious, "Living on a Prayer"esque heartbreaker.
And I'm sure every man hopes to see a bit of both Emmersons in himself. (And then, in turn, tell other little gals that say "You must absolutely read this book called "A Room with a View" because, weirdest thing, the main character reminds me of you!" No really, I've seen it happen. A suave gentleman could easily charm his way into many a smart-hipster-girl's heart by sprinkling his pickup lines with references to this book. And then by catching her when she faints.)
I guess what I'm trying to get at is that this book capitalizes on "Barnumisms." We ALL know that prissy guardian (or c***blocker or what have you) that tries to intervene with our true love. Or that snobbish traveler that thinks they are sooooo worldly but, really, are just as close-minded as the rest of the lot. The semi-creepy old man that is wise and unconventional and likes it that way. Etcetera.
I'd argue that, because all of the characters are so familiar, it allows for the reader to truly live vicariously through the novel. While the eventual outcome is pretty apparent early on, many readers still feel that "oomph" of triumph towards the end of the book. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook-gebruiker

No, it's a flop!

It may be a classic, but it did not keep me interested. I was frustrated because I felt E.M. Forster left out details that could have added to the ... (show more)

It may be a classic, but it did not keep me interested. I was frustrated because I felt E.M. Forster left out details that could have added to the plot. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook-gebruiker

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  I was in the mood for something light and fun, and I've always liked the movie. What struck me were the antecedents of many notions we think are contemporary: the unthinking tourist, the dismay of residents when an ugly new house goes up, the novelist who capitalizes on friendships, that any other culture is better than one's own, and the idea that cynicism is intelligent.

  It's snarky fun, but also profound. Forster seems to know (how?) what goes through the mind of a young woman trying to f... (show more)

  I was in the mood for something light and fun, and I've always liked the movie. What struck me were the antecedents of many notions we think are contemporary: the unthinking tourist, the dismay of residents when an ugly new house goes up, the novelist who capitalizes on friendships, that any other culture is better than one's own, and the idea that cynicism is intelligent.

  It's snarky fun, but also profound. Forster seems to know (how?) what goes through the mind of a young woman trying to find her independent way in the world. Hooray for Lucy, who will surely fulfill the promise of her Beethoven!

  So what's with that ending? Lucy does something astonishing, but where does it get her? In romantic Italy, yes, but she's darning socks and managing George, who by this time seems so childish he could never be her equal partner.

  I have a feeling than before the passage of very many years, she'll be back at her Beethoven. (show less)

   

   

  by Aime' Fraser on Feb 01, 2009 at 01:22AM

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  This book is about an English young woman, Lucy, who is caught in the battle between propriety and passion. Overall, Lucy has little say in the matters that concern her life. At first, she does not reflect deeply on the events that happen to her and because of her. It is not until she witnesses a murder that she begins to think about the events that happen to her and how she interacts with and shapes them. However, she only understands herself and her actions through discourse with other p... (show more)

  This book is about an English young woman, Lucy, who is caught in the battle between propriety and passion. Overall, Lucy has little say in the matters that concern her life. At first, she does not reflect deeply on the events that happen to her and because of her. It is not until she witnesses a murder that she begins to think about the events that happen to her and how she interacts with and shapes them. However, she only understands herself and her actions through discourse with other people, who easily influence her frame of mind with emotional appeal or intellectual argument.

  At one point, Mr. Beebe observes that if Lucy were to live with as much passion as she plays the piano, both her life and the lives of those around her would be much more interesting. Although she ultimately alienates her family to pursue the man whom she loves, even this decision is not reached without the strong influence of Mr. Emerson. In this respect, although the author's definition of passion won over propriety, I was sincerely hoping that Lucy would be able to throw off all the harnesses of well-meaning advice and reach her own conclusion of what do do with her life. I was also disappointed with the rather abrupt and mostly happy ending. In my opinion, although Lucy grew in self-awareness, she never truly discovered herself apart from the influence of others. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Oct 18, 2009 at 05:10AM

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