Howards End Audiobook, by E. M. Forster Play Audiobook Sample

Howards End Audiobook

Howards End Audiobook, by E. M. Forster Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Steven Crossley Publisher: Tantor Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 7.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 5.88 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: September 2010 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781400189434

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

44

Longest Chapter Length:

33:55 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

02:55 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

16:10 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

14

Other Audiobooks Written by E. M. Forster: > View All...

Publisher Description

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)

Howards End Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.68421052631579 out of 53.68421052631579 out of 53.68421052631579 out of 53.68421052631579 out of 53.68421052631579 out of 5 (3.68)
5 Stars: 21
4 Stars: 21
3 Stars: 25
2 Stars: 7
1 Stars: 2
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Wonderful read, intriguing, beautifully written, story of two unconventional upper class sisters in 19th century Britain. "

    — Dana, 2/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " So, so beautifully and articulately written (just like this review)! I was absolutely blown away by his writing. "

    — Laurie, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved the book and adored the movie. "

    — Jan, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite books with good characters. Widespread problems and conditions with multiple points of view. "

    — Susan, 1/24/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Read in 2009. Decent novel. Not a favorite per say. "

    — Josh, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great writing. I felt like the story sort of fizzled out though. "

    — Tina, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " One would often want to read this book, in light of its zeitgeist, and successful other books about the English class system and country house life in the Edwardian (or near enough) times, such as "Remains of the day" or "A Room with a View". However, this book is but a pale shadow of the rest. Moreover, the entire writing is like a big incessant endless chitchat, pockmarked with endless mannerisms, stale witticism, and who-cares-style innuendo. Plus, the characters are totally slapworthy. See the movie if you would, it's nicer (you get the whole Merchant-Ivory package plus some extra rare Redgrave folk). "

    — Amir, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love stories set in England. Wonderful, fast moving story with characters that are easily relatable. "

    — DrJenni, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A very depressing, long read. Forster is great writer, but this book was missing the hope of A Room With A View. It was rather cruel in parts. "

    — Jamie, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Only connect! "

    — Tessa, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A nice period novel. There were parts of _Passage to India_ I liked better, but taken as a whole, I think I prefer _Howards End_ to either _Passage to India_ or _A Room with a View_. "

    — Rob, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Tgis must have been quite shicking when it came out! I liked it, but, again, the characterization of the female characters was obnoxious "

    — Christen, 1/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is a good book that brings out the double standard in moral standards of that time and shows out class differences in England at that time. "

    — Michele, 1/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I didn't really like this one. It took forever for me to get into it and by the end I was left thinking, why is this a classic? "

    — Lindquistheather, 12/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I adore A Room With a View, but somehow this didn't hit the same place for me. Not sure why. "

    — Amanda, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Fabulous, one of my all-time favourites "

    — Lynne, 12/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Supposed to be the novel that showed the "end of the Empire" - the British Empire, that is. I found some scenes well rendered, but there was too much dialogue at times and one was supposed to detect character changes in the dialogue - clever, but it did not always work for me. "

    — Shane, 12/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I loved it until the middle, then it waned. "

    — Missy, 12/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I can't believe I just discovered Forster. "

    — Jessamyn, 12/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " How can a fantastic book and a fantastic movie based on that book have completely different endings? "

    — Jessica, 12/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The story is good and I enjoyed the social commentary. However, I did not find myself being drawn toward any particular character, leaving me feeling indifferent toward what happened to any of them or how the story ended. "

    — Becky, 10/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Rereading this marvelous books, one of my all-time favorites. Really a great book. "

    — Nina, 10/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Because the book is so beautifully written and particularly for its compassion, intelligence and insight. It feels enlightened; written by a mind who would be progressive in any era. And particularly for the memorable sibling protagonists. "

    — Matthew, 10/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I find so much wisdom in Howards End about how to think about life, and especially how to think about home and a house. It seems just as pertinent to me now as it did when Forster wrote it. "Only connect." "

    — Trina, 10/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I was ready to give this book only 1 or 2 stars, but the ending changed my mind. For the majority of the narrative I disliked all of the characters and couldn't see the point of the novel, but the ending redeemed it. "

    — Alyssa, 10/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I see something new and understand something more every time I read this. "

    — Sara, 9/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " i saw this movie when it was first released by merchant/ivory the team that seemed to bring most of forster's novels to the big screen. i truly love the language and the settings in the novel. some of the dialogue can become a bit dense, but there are helpful endnotes. "

    — Elizabeth, 9/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I don't remember it very well- I've read it a long time ago... maybe some serious re-reading is in order... "

    — Mιss, 8/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Through much of the first half of this book, I thought the story was disjointed. I couldn't understand why certain characters were even part of the story. But, as the story progressed, I found myself drawn to the story. Wonderful characters and a strong narration by Nadia May. "

    — Julie, 7/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I felt I should read a classic so I picked this up. It started out OK, but I lost interest by page 100 and put it down at that point (shame on me!). "

    — Darlene, 7/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this book and found it interested how strong of a connection we can have with place. "

    — Holly, 5/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I enjoyed this book, but it does take very careful reading to see all of the wit and plot. If you miss even a sentence, some of the important details or events can be missed. "

    — Ryann, 4/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I really got caught up on the classics when I worked at Thorndike Press. Had never read ANY Forster before I set this edition for them. "

    — Freder, 4/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I completely loved this book because it was totally my style of writing. I love the classics! I thought the plot was intriguing. I enjoyed the characters and the struggles they went through as well as the reflections on society. "

    — Autumn, 3/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I loved it until the middle, then it waned. "

    — Missy, 2/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " i cant believe i've never read this before...i read more than half in one sitting. i just love it. "

    — Ginny, 11/26/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " For the Reston Regional Weds. Morning Book Group, October/November 2010 "

    — Martina, 11/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " this is a book about real estate. "

    — Mike, 9/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It starts off a little slow but I ended up really liking it! "

    — Katie, 9/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 3 1/2 stars actually, because I really liked it just until the last few chapters, when I only liked it. But I still love Forster for all the things he does well, especially for when he did them. I feel we may be kindred spirits on the astral plane. "

    — Kat, 5/28/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great book and the movie is just as good! "

    — Don, 5/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " The main problem with this is that EM Forster thinks he understands women. He doesn't. "

    — Charlie, 4/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A transitional Modernist novel, with flickers of change and new styles of writing held back by the author's own intervening and anxiety about modernity "

    — Sophie, 2/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " really grew on me...seemed a stuffy novel of manners for awhile, until I recognized the undercurrent of satire. "

    — Justin, 12/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " What I learned from this book: the Victorian period was way cooler than the Edwardian period. "

    — Scroutch, 12/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Is there a better English writer in the last 100 years- I don't think so. An amazingly rich explortion of the English class sytem - much like Passage to India. "

    — Alan, 10/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of absolute favorite books ever! love the language, the message, the prose...love it... "

    — Nana-Ama, 5/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Perfect. My favorite novel ever. Well okay, one of my favorites. "

    — Taylor, 5/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Perfect. My favorite novel ever. Well okay, one of my favorites. "

    — Taylor, 5/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Perfect. My favorite novel ever. Well okay, one of my favorites. "

    — Taylor, 5/21/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " How can a fantastic book and a fantastic movie based on that book have completely different endings? "

    — Jessica, 5/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " How can a fantastic book and a fantastic movie based on that book have completely different endings? "

    — Jessica, 5/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " How can a fantastic book and a fantastic movie based on that book have completely different endings? "

    — Jessica, 5/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Near 5 star, but too tidy a denouement. Suddenly everyone lives in harmony "

    — Ctb, 5/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Near 5 star, but too tidy a denouement. Suddenly everyone lives in harmony "

    — Ctb, 5/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Near 5 star, but too tidy a denouement. Suddenly everyone lives in harmony "

    — Ctb, 5/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I'm glad I read it. It was a fun book. Then I watched the movie with Anthony opkins, Emma Thompson, Vanessa Redgrave and Helena Bonham-Carter. "

    — Vickie, 4/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I'm glad I read it. It was a fun book. Then I watched the movie with Anthony opkins, Emma Thompson, Vanessa Redgrave and Helena Bonham-Carter. "

    — Vickie, 4/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I'm glad I read it. It was a fun book. Then I watched the movie with Anthony opkins, Emma Thompson, Vanessa Redgrave and Helena Bonham-Carter. "

    — Vickie, 4/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Meh. Didn't like it nearly as much as "A Room With a View." "

    — Chrystie, 4/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Meh. Didn't like it nearly as much as "A Room With a View." "

    — Chrystie, 4/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Meh. Didn't like it nearly as much as "A Room With a View." "

    — Chrystie, 4/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I really struggled with this. I was interested in the story but easily lost my way. Not sure I will read him again. "

    — Linda, 4/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I really struggled with this. I was interested in the story but easily lost my way. Not sure I will read him again. "

    — Linda, 4/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Sicuramente una scrittura più matura rispetto a "Camera con Vista", belle descrizioni paesaggistiche. "

    — Magda, 4/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I really struggled with this. I was interested in the story but easily lost my way. Not sure I will read him again. "

    — Linda, 4/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Sicuramente una scrittura più matura rispetto a "Camera con Vista", belle descrizioni paesaggistiche. "

    — Magda, 4/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Sicuramente una scrittura più matura rispetto a "Camera con Vista", belle descrizioni paesaggistiche. "

    — Magda, 4/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I absolutely loved this book and was sad when I finished it as I wanted it to go on longer.The writing was superb and flowed almost poetically at times.The story was endearing and I found the characters enchanting, except for Mrs Bast! "

    — Kelly, 4/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I absolutely loved this book and was sad when I finished it as I wanted it to go on longer.The writing was superb and flowed almost poetically at times.The story was endearing and I found the characters enchanting, except for Mrs Bast! "

    — Kelly, 4/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I absolutely loved this book and was sad when I finished it as I wanted it to go on longer.The writing was superb and flowed almost poetically at times.The story was endearing and I found the characters enchanting, except for Mrs Bast! "

    — Kelly, 4/4/2011

About E. M. Forster

Edward 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.

About Steven Crossley

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.