Book Review: A Room with a View
Title: A Room with a View
Author: E.M. Forster
Length: 232 pages
Genre: Fiction
Plot Summary: Set in the early 1900s, “A Room with a View” follows Lucy Honeychurch, a young English woman, as she navigates societal expectations and her own desires. The story begins in Florence, Italy, where Lucy and her cousin Charlotte are staying at a pension. They meet the unconventional Mr. Emerson and his son George, who offer to switch rooms with them to provide a better view. During her time in Florence, Lucy experiences a passionate kiss with George in a field of violets. Returning to England, Lucy becomes engaged to the socially appropriate but stifling Cecil Vyse. However, when George reappears in her life, Lucy must confront her true feelings and decide between adhering to societal norms or following her heart.
Review: This is an apt social commentary on Edwardian society. The writing was sharp. I love the foreshadowing of Lucy’s journey compared to how boldly she played the piano. Forster masterfully critiques the rigid class structures and changing social norms of the era, while exploring themes of personal growth and the conflict between passion and propriety. The novel’s examination of Lucy’s struggle for independence and authentic love remains relevant, offering insights into the societal pressures faced by young women of the time. That said, the overall story was simple and I was desiring something more complex.
Rating: 3/5
