Considered by many to be E. M. Forster's greatest novel, Howards End is a beautifully subtle tale of two very different families brought together by an unusual event. The Schlegels are intellectuals, devotees of art and literature. The Wilcoxes are practical and materialistic, leading lives of "telegrams and anger." When the elder Mrs. Wilcox dies and her family discovers she has left their country home—Howards End—to one of the Schlegel sisters, a crisis between the two families is precipitated that takes years to resolve.
Written in 1910, Howards End is a symbolic exploration of the social, economic, and intellectual forces at work in England in the years preceding World War I, a time when vast social changes were occurring. In the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes, Forster perfectly embodies the competing idealism and materialism of the upper classes, while the conflict over the ownership of Howards End represents the struggle for possession of the country's future.
Forster refuses to take sides in this conflict. Instead he poses one of the book's central questions: In a changing modern society, what should be the relation between the inner and outer life, between the world of the intellect and the world of business? Can they ever, as Forster urges, "only connect"?
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"This lovely book tells the story of three families in the Edwardian period. The narrative centres on the Schlegels three orphans who have money, education and want to do the right thing. The Wilcox family are more striving, attempting to get ahead through business and less inclined toward philanthropy for its own sake. The poor working class couple the Basts are an odd couple, he is principled with romantic aspirations, she a tramp. How these three families interact forms the story. Howards End itself is a country property much loved by Mrs Wilcox who intended to give it to one of the Schlegel girls as she felt such a strong connection to the property and knew that this connection would not be honoured or appreciated by her own family. I will have to read some more of E.M. Forster."
— D'face (4 out of 5 stars)
" Wonderful read, intriguing, beautifully written, story of two unconventional upper class sisters in 19th century Britain. "
— Dana, 2/15/2014" So, so beautifully and articulately written (just like this review)! I was absolutely blown away by his writing. "
— Laurie, 2/11/2014" I went on a Forster tear this week since his prose doesn't change mine. I'd forgotten how much I liked Howards End although I'm really choosing this review to represent the bunch because I am super lazy. He does really well at understanding inaction as well as action, sort of like a good artist handles negative space. "
— Jenn, 2/3/2014" Loved the book and adored the movie. "
— Jan, 1/28/2014" One of my favorite books with good characters. Widespread problems and conditions with multiple points of view. "
— Susan, 1/24/2014" Read in 2009. Decent novel. Not a favorite per say. "
— Josh, 1/19/2014" Great writing. I felt like the story sort of fizzled out though. "
— Tina, 1/17/2014" Slow start, fabulous book. Full of all kinds of important things to discuss and think about and some absolutely fabulous sentences. Loved this. "
— Martine, 1/15/2014" Yes, I know this is referred to often as a brilliant book, but my Lord how very wordy it is! So much unnecessary and ponderous ruminating interrupts every single scene. "A Passage to India" was so different, caustic and sweet in turns, and the story moving right along. Perhaps Forster got better with the years. "
— Taryn, 1/14/2014" Really wonderful. I wasn't "excited" to be picking it up every time, but I really ended up being compelled by the characters. There are a couple ridiculously contrived plot turns that people have slammed Forster for over the years, but other than that, an evocative treatment of a sister bond and a nation in transition. "
— Frances, 1/13/2014" Yes, I know this is referred to often as a brilliant book, but my Lord how very wordy it is! So much unnecessary and ponderous ruminating interrupts every single scene. "A Passage to India" was so different, caustic and sweet in turns, and the story moving right along. Perhaps Forster got better with the years. "
— Taryn, 1/8/2014Edward Morgan Forster (1879–1970) was an English novelist and short story writer. He also wrote numerous essays, speeches, and broadcasts, and some biographies and pageant plays. Many of his novels focus upon themes of class difference and hypocrisy. His best-known works are his novels, particularly A Room with a View, Howards End, and A Passage to India. Forster was twenty times nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Steven Crossley, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, has built a career on both sides of the Atlantic as an actor and audiobook narrator, for which he has won more than a dozen AudioFile Earphones Awards and been a nominee for the prestigious Audie Award. He is a member of the internationally renowned theater company Complicite and has appeared in numerous theater, television, film, and radio dramas.