A Room with a View Audiobook

" I read a few chapters for a Stanford class and finally went back to read the rest. Enjoyed it, would recommend, but probably not for everyone. "

" Beautifully written and full of some lovely ideas - Transcendentalism (of a sort) at its finest - but both plot and characters are woefully underdeveloped. Important events are glossed over or only mentioned briefly, and the timeline is bizarrely structured such that months pass with hardly a mention while a week is stretched over fifty pages. This leaves the reader confused about when things are happening, and it also lends to the lack of development of the characters. We rarely learn about a character's personality through his/her actions or words; rather, Forster expounds at length upon them, occasionally throwing something in to add to his stated intentions. It is because of the hurried timeline and the undefined characters that I found the romance unconvincing, as much as I wanted to love it. It's hard to believe in Love when that love is two teenagers who've had 3 conversations and who barely have personalities, let alone compatible ones. As that is where the principles of the book are most heavily rested, it was difficult to believe in the book. It is, however, an enjoyable read: Forster's prose is absolutely lovely. "

" It was a good story but wasn't so exciting. "

" This was so romantic and lovely. I want to go back to Florence, the light there makes it hard not to fall in love. "

" I read this for the first time when I was 20 or 21, and I loved it then too. So many beautiful passages. I don't think I really understood the "being in a muddle" theme back then, but it jumped out at me this time. "

" For me, this story had the charm of an old romance without the long-windedness of Austen or the Bronte sisters. There wasn't a hundred pages of moping or traveling through the countryside and the story didn't seem like it was never going to end. It was short and sweet and to the point. I liked the simplicity, even amongst the intrigue and politics of courtship. "

" I read a few chapters for a Stanford class and finally went back to read the rest. Enjoyed it, would recommend, but probably not for everyone. "

" It would have been better if his portrayal of the female leads wasn't so aggrevating! "

" Quickie iPhone Review: Well written... Some funny stuff. I love the atheist character portrayed as the most loving and honest of the group. Great stuff.... I got this book because I was hoping it was like a Jane Austen type and it was... But the characters are a tiny bit grittier .., I liked it! "

" Another book that was forced upon me by school this year X)I liked this book mainly for the fact that I could relate a lot to the protagonist especially on the difficulties that emerge when one is growing up. I also like the way that there are instances when the reader is spoken to directly and found the contrasts between George and Cecil quite funny. "

" I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I thought it would be kind of stuffy, but it is really a very cute, somewhat comic love story. It reads almost like a period movie, and has very modern ideas for being set and written in the early 1900s. The main characters are very likable, and the book is short. I read most of it in one sitting. Now that I've reread it and seen the 1985 movie, I'm beginning to think it really is one of the most perfect romances ever written, certainly one of my favorites. "

" SO GOOD! Loved it and want to read it again! "

" Room with a View is one of my favorite books. It takes place in England and is a "slice of life" in the nineteenth century. Forster's style is easy for me to read, and I enjoy following the lives of the characters. This is a quiet, easy read on a cold day in front of the fire, or on the beach in summer's full sun. If you like English historical fiction, this one could be one for you! "

" I found this book hard to begin, but about 1/4 of the way in it was hard to put down! I really enjoyed the way the author would describe the main characters feelings and then discuss with the reader how inaccurate those feelings were and even at times pleading for the reader to explain it to the main character - haha! "

" A victorian comedy of sorts, with a very particular woman who just wants a room with a view. "

" I'm on the fence as to whether I really liked it or not. I would prefer to give it 2.5 stars. The story was somewhat interesting; but, it lagged quite a bit, and the character development was a little opaque. "

" I was hoping I'd enjoy this as much as say, Virginia Woolf, but I didn't. Felt pretty stale. "

" One of my all time favorites. "

" Loooooooveeeee! One of my favorite books and one of my favorite movies. "

" I wouldn't have picked up this book if it weren't on the Modern Library's top 100 list (I'm slowly trying to get through them all), and I might not have finished it if I were actually reading it rather than listening to the audiobook. I'm sure it is masterfully written, and was probably socially edgy when it was published, but I found it quite dull. "

" Frequently amusing, sometimes too obvious, riff on Jane Austen from a master. "

" Well I read the whole thing - whew. "

" Started slow but it picked up towards the end of the middle. It turned out to be a sweet story but I almost wish to go back and read the first part again with new eyes to gain a better appreciation of it. The character of Lucy was really quite annoying in the beginning but she really developed as the book went on, which of course, made me feel bad for rolling my eyes at her earlier. I don't think she noticeed though... "

" It's definitely no Jane Austen. I survived it, but it really was pretty boring. "

" Read this in my senior year of high school only because it was short and I loved the movie. I really enjoyed it because it read exactly like the movie....almost like a screenplay. "

" Painfully slow and boring. The first 100 pages were brutal. The ending picked up a little bit and sped things along but overall not that good. "

" This story has a social perspective I'm unfamiliar with as it describes the mores of a past time and social structure. This initially made it hard for me to enjoy the book. However, there were interesting insights and reflections made by some characters on relationships and life. One could also see the beginnings of some of today's perspectives. My overall feeling is I may need to re-read it to better appreciate it. "

" Finished. YAAAAAY! The novel has subtlety which is much appreciated. After all you can't always give your reader what he/she wants. "

" Liked this as much as I liked When Angels Feared to Tread. Maybe three times will be a charm w/ Howards End? I did after all really like the movie . . . "

" A sweet story about a girl who just can't seem to make up her mind, and then suddenly she is shown her true heart's desire. "

" I saw the movie many, many years ago and loved it. I can now say it was quite faithful to the book, which is well done. "

" My favorite line from the book - " Life is a public performance on the violin, in which you must learn the instrument as you go along". "

" Beautiful, gorgeous, etc. Everything I expected. Loved it. Still had to give it 5 stars even though it wasn't as good, in my opinion, as Howards End or Maurice, because it was exquisite nonetheless. "

" Almost halfway through the book. I love George so much. It's the most funny classic I've come across so far :)Plus the descriptions of Italy are gorgeous. "

" Beautiful stunning book a love story occurs both with the central characters and Florence "

" One of the best things about reading the classics is that you can learn more about how people really lived in the past than you can in any history book. We all know that "back in the old days" the dating/courting ritual was a lot different than it is today. But A Room With A View is a perfect example of just how incredibly bizarre things were done back then. We've definitely come a long way and after reading this novel, all I can say is ; Thank God we have ! "

" Not my favorite book but entertaining enough. In fact before Lucy got engaged I'd have given it 2 stars but it got more interesting. "

" It was a little hard for me to get into at first but I ended up liking it. 3 1/2 stars. "

" read when i was 19 -it was boring "

" I loved this movie as a kid and decided to read the book. This was an enjoyable, quick read, though watching Julian Sands and Helena Bonham-Carter was more fun. "

" A lot of social commentary and a great read that manifest many aspects of the human conditions. There is a lot of romance but I would say that it is more a novel of self-discovery and growth than love. Written beautifully, A Room with a View does not disappoint. "

" I really rather liked this easy going romance, a bit of classic chick-lit if you like. I listened to this, which may have been easier still and made me like it more. "

" A sweet story about a girl who just can't seem to make up her mind, and then suddenly she is shown her true heart's desire. "

" A thoroughly enjoyable book. I adored it from the very first chapter, with the wonderfully comedic 'view' fiasco. This is certainly a book to put you in a good mood. My only criticism, is that at 223 pages, the book is nowhere near long enough. "

" Required annual reading. A lover's muddle happily resolved by the biggest muddler of all.... Or was it the one thing the muddler did not muddle? "

" I will always love Forster's style. He's just so British. There's not much substance here (other than his critique of British high society, as usual), but the way the he subtly pokes fun of his characters through the narration...I love it. "

" A beatutiful and charming book about love and repression. "

" Loved the book AND the movie. "

" I read this in high school and again after college. One of my favorite classics. The movie is fabulous as well: Daniel Day Lewis, Maggie Smith and what's her name who plays they crazy Malfoy aunt in Harry Potter. "

" A delightful Edwardian social comedy. "

" A victorian comedy of sorts, with a very particular woman who just wants a room with a view. "

" I LOVED this book, until I got to the Epilogue where Forester (the author) choose to provide us with a very realistic look at the state of the hero and heroine roughly 40 years later. Depressing. "

" A bit difficult for me to fathom at times because of Forster's rather florid prose and not understanding the social values of the time that are the crux of the book. That said, it was rather charming and light and offered an interesting insight into life at the time for the comfortably off. "

" I enjoyed reading this book because it took me to another place and time and the story kept you involved. "

" You could tell it was one of his early novels (or the earliest). I found that naivety part of the appeal. "

" I listened to the librivox recording. I have to admit I never really got what this book was about. My bad. "

" The vocabulary and characters were exceptional, but it didn't draw me it. "

" I read this so long ago, I think I'm due for another read. I remember enjoying it as with other EM Forster books. Sorry, this isn't helpful. "

" One of my all time favorite books and movie! Love! "

" This is a wonderful story. "

" Once I figured out the writing style, I really started to love this book.I gave it five stars because I would read it again. :) "

" I liked this as much as I did when I first read it in high school, although I noticed many more things about it rereading it ten years on. Forster's wonderful. "

" I think this is my favourite historical period, at least for the writing. This novel is just so funny, in it's quiet, Edwardian way. I also loved the movie, I'm sure that helped. "

" Loved the dialogue - dog earred some of the pages because of the quotes - Quaint as a book written 100 years ago should be; be amazingly current re: women, love, snobbery, and social position. Love the ending and look forward to finding the movie. "

" Loved it! I'm not sure how I missed reading it up until now, but this was a beautiful book. "

" As much as I really just wanted Lucy to ditch both her love interests and go traveling by herself, I have to admit that I got a little obsessed with finding out what happened next. Something about the repressed brooding socially entangled early 20th century novels always gets me. And I love how I can somehow have not found out the ending of an over 100 year old novel that everyone else has probably already read. "

" I loved this book! The narrative is so fantastic and at no point did I feel bored with the story. It is the perfect balance between a romance and an insight into English society in the early 20th century. Highly recommended. "

" I read this book in the late 1980's at a time when I was "sprouting wings" and breaking away from life expectations. It was a timely read and a lovely love story with vivid scenes of Italy and traveling in the 19th century. "

" I thought this book was really well written and it really made me want to go to Italy. I actually just read it for leisure and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys classic books that are still relevant. "

" A truly "witty" book of a classic period in English society. Thoroughly enjoyable. "

" love the way E.M. Forster writes! ...also love the film! "

" Read it because of the (brilliant) film and got me into EMF -- great summer reading "

" Charming and insightful, this love story about a girl who travels to Italy was just the thing to perk me up this spring! A delightful read! "

" 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. "

" This is a wonderful story. "

" Good early C20 gossipy book. Couldn't put it down! What to read next?? "

" I wanted to love this book but I just didn't. If possible I would have given it 3.5 stars. I can't quite pinpoint why it didn't grab me though I'm still glad I read the book. "

" I liked this book. It was witty and full of interesting bits of history. The story of the romance is pretty standard for the time period. Reading it from today, woman will want to shake Lucy for not doing what we would. George and his father were a breath of fresh air...very funny. "

" I wanted to like this book since I liked the adaptation of it. It was humorous and cynical but it didn't capture me. It had its moments but they were brief and very short. "

" A second read but read it v slowly. Very funny "

" So funny! Just my type of humor. Reminded me of Jane Austen. "

" Very pleasant to read, thought provoking, nice use of language. "

" Sweet and quite funny in places "

" I've read this book fast, but somehow this book didn't enchant me. Just showed differences between Victorian England and Italy, where many things were far from English. "

" "Lovely simple period love story, I got much more out of the book than the movie, which I don't really remember." "

" Amazing, this is one of those book I will read over and over. I love the story, the characters, the writing style. Everybody read this!! "

" Beautiful, gorgeous, etc. Everything I expected. Loved it. Still had to give it 5 stars even though it wasn't as good, in my opinion, as Howards End or Maurice, because it was exquisite nonetheless. "

" A bit difficult to read through, but worth it to experience Lucy and George's interactions and relationship. "

" Wonderfully written English classic. Oh for those days to come again. "

" I love this novel. It is perfect. "

" I thought this was QUITE good. I wish it was longer! Oh, and some of the politics were obnoxious, but tame by today's standards. Loved the characters though! "

" this one I actually read because of having seen the movie- was always a sucker for Merchant-Ivory productions "

" I finished it. I took a long time because it was a soporific. "

" I will always love Forster's style. He's just so British. There's not much substance here (other than his critique of British high society, as usual), but the way the he subtly pokes fun of his characters through the narration...I love it. "

" What a wonderful wonderful book! Is it poetry, or is it prose? It's beautifully written :) "

" One of my all time favorites. "

" Light and funny. Enjoyed it a lot. "

" Love his writing in general but this may always be my favorite of his works. :) "

" A delightful Edwardian social comedy. "

" Not only does it have a lovely description of Florence, it captures the confusing muddle young love can be. "

" Enjoyed the story. Forster does not disappoint. "

" I loved the movie version with Helena Bonham Carter as the heroine.A social commentary of how women get sucked into conventional relationships and how they never truly discover who they are and what they want of life. "

" I was hoping for a more passionate ending. "

" Sublimely written, with some memorable characters populating an evocative version of Italy. One of the supreme gifts of a great writer is to tell a story effortlessly and for us readers to fall into them with equal effortlessness. Thank you EM Foster for this book. "

" I decided that this summer I'm going to read two books at once - one contemporary novel and one classic on cd. I started with this and what a great start! Oh how I adored George. A very good commentary on being trapped in one's roles and expectations. "

" I remember the movie being more interesting. But maybe that was just my young self crushing on Helena Bonham Carter. "

" Re-read this one and it kept my attention, but I wasn't blown away. It was hard for me to identify with the characters - each had their good points, but sometimes I just want to slap them for their lack of courage, or being whiny, or some other flaw... "

" Pretty great novel! It's funny, pokes lots of fun at high-society English-people, and there's an adorable love story (I would totally date George). "

" Was difficult for me to read...I think I wasn't in the mood. Read about 4 chapters then skimmed the rest and then watched the movie. I'll try to reread in a few years. "

" Pretty good but was hard to get into. Good to read if you want an insight to Edwardian society in England. "

" Nearly ashamed to admit that the subtleties and intricacies were lost on this reader how the book well written, but a by now obsolescent exposure of the Edwardian middle class... "

" I think I would have enjoyed this book more in high school. The second half is wonderfully interesting, but it takes some faith to keep reading and get there. The tale of a girl breaking through the constructs of society to find herself, though, is timeless. Lots of symbolism. "

" Beautiful, romantic and so funny. A superb novel. "

" Read it after seeing the movie because I was afraid it was going to be boring - had sat on my shelf for awhile. Takes a little while to read. "

" Well written and masterfully crafted. Though the physical circumstances are a little unclear at times, this is an enjoyable read. I suggest for any and all who enjoy a good clean romance. "

" Enjoyed the story. Forster does not disappoint. "

" I never developed any sympathy for the characters. I tried to like this book, and is probably worth the time to read it. "

" loved it! better than the movie. "

" Excellent! How did I miss this classic? Travel, heartache, social mores - it's gold! If you like Jane Austen, then you'll love this. Please at least try it - it's not as funny or clever as Austen, but it's good in a different way - let me know what you think! "

" I absolutely adore this novel and I only wish that I had read it many years ago. "

" Good story but glad I'm finished it. The story was slow and I found the movie better. Who could go wrong with Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and Helena Bonham Carter. "

" Such a humorous cast of characters. Amusing all the way through. It was another book that was enhanced for me for having watched the movie. "

" Quite a charming novel...loved Forster's writing style and characters. Not a new plot, to be sure, but still refreshing. "

" I have a view, I have a view. "

" I love this novel. It is perfect. "

" This story involves the most endearing and lovable characters. Who wouldn't want to lock lips with George Emerson or go bathing with Freddy? "

" It was a little slow going for me in the beginning but overall I really enjoyed it. There was a pond scene that cracked me up. :) "

" A very sweet and rather timeless love story told via a social commentary on Edwardian society through portrayal of the human condition suffered by very relatable characters. "

" People just don't write this well anymore. "

" bargain = 1 of 29 books for $5. (got this edition also ---->Published 1986 by Penguin Books= Film Tie-In Edition, Paperback, 256 pages - for daughter. 0n 5/12/2012) "

" Verbose. Forster could have said much more with much less. All in all I give this story an "okay". "

" Lovely. Almost as good as HOWARDS END. Not quite. But really very sweet. "

" Lovely. Almost as good as HOWARDS END. Not quite. But really very sweet. "

" Lovely. Almost as good as HOWARDS END. Not quite. But really very sweet. "

" Lovely. Almost as good as HOWARDS END. Not quite. But really very sweet. "

" Lovely. Almost as good as HOWARDS END. Not quite. But really very sweet. "

" Loved it the whole way through! "

" Loved it the whole way through! "

" Loved it the whole way through! "

" Loved it the whole way through! "

" Lucy - so many decisions<br/><br/>Cecil is funny "

" I enjoyed the story - kinda' silly, but it moves smoothly enough. I liked the movie too. I think I'll get the movie in and watch it again. "

" Lucy - so many decisions<br/><br/>Cecil is funny "

" I enjoyed the story - kinda' silly, but it moves smoothly enough. I liked the movie too. I think I'll get the movie in and watch it again. "

" Lucy - so many decisions<br/><br/>Cecil is funny "

" I enjoyed the story - kinda' silly, but it moves smoothly enough. I liked the movie too. I think I'll get the movie in and watch it again. "

" Lucy - so many decisions<br/><br/>Cecil is funny "

" I enjoyed the story - kinda' silly, but it moves smoothly enough. I liked the movie too. I think I'll get the movie in and watch it again. "

" Lucy - so many decisions<br/><br/>Cecil is funny "

" I enjoyed the story - kinda' silly, but it moves smoothly enough. I liked the movie too. I think I'll get the movie in and watch it again. "

" Have read several times, always get a new twist from it. "

" Have read several times, always get a new twist from it. "

" Have read several times, always get a new twist from it. "

" Have read several times, always get a new twist from it. "

" Have read several times, always get a new twist from it. "

" According to the reviews people seem find this a charming WASP comedy-drama. I found it to be <em>très ennuyeux</em>. "

" According to the reviews people seem find this a charming WASP comedy-drama. I found it to be <em>très ennuyeux</em>. "

" According to the reviews people seem find this a charming WASP comedy-drama. I found it to be <em>très ennuyeux</em>. "

" According to the reviews people seem find this a charming WASP comedy-drama. I found it to be <em>très ennuyeux</em>. "

" According to the reviews people seem find this a charming WASP comedy-drama. I found it to be <em>très ennuyeux</em>. "

" A lot of great quotes in this book. Even though Forster died in 1970, this story has the feel of the classics written 100 years earlier. "

" A lot of great quotes in this book. Even though Forster died in 1970, this story has the feel of the classics written 100 years earlier. "

" A lot of great quotes in this book. Even though Forster died in 1970, this story has the feel of the classics written 100 years earlier. "

" A lot of great quotes in this book. Even though Forster died in 1970, this story has the feel of the classics written 100 years earlier. "

" A lot of great quotes in this book. Even though Forster died in 1970, this story has the feel of the classics written 100 years earlier. "

" Loved this book. I wish I could go to Florence right now and see the view. "

" Very English. Loved the language. Kinda wonder why such a big deal was made of this back in &quot;the day&quot;. <br/> "

" Loved this book. I wish I could go to Florence right now and see the view. "

" Loved this book. I wish I could go to Florence right now and see the view. "

" Very English. Loved the language. Kinda wonder why such a big deal was made of this back in &quot;the day&quot;. <br/> "

" Very English. Loved the language. Kinda wonder why such a big deal was made of this back in &quot;the day&quot;. <br/> "

" Loved this book. I wish I could go to Florence right now and see the view. "

" Very English. Loved the language. Kinda wonder why such a big deal was made of this back in &quot;the day&quot;. <br/> "

" Loved this book. I wish I could go to Florence right now and see the view. "

" Very English. Loved the language. Kinda wonder why such a big deal was made of this back in &quot;the day&quot;. <br/> "

" it's hard for me to have favorites, but this may be one of my all time favorites. "

" it's hard for me to have favorites, but this may be one of my all time favorites. "

" it's hard for me to have favorites, but this may be one of my all time favorites. "

" it's hard for me to have favorites, but this may be one of my all time favorites. "

" it's hard for me to have favorites, but this may be one of my all time favorites. "

" You can keep your Darcy... I'll take George Emerson. "