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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“Maurice” is a novel that I’ve been wanting to read for ages, but never *quite* got around to doing so. Well, until now.
It’s rightfully famous for being one of the first pieces of modern gay literature and Forster’s insistence of it having a happy ending (and of it not being published during his lifetime). There were many things I found impressive - not least the way Maurice becomes aware of his own nature. And while certainly things have improved for the LGBTQ+ community in the last hundred years, it’s amazing how relevant so much of what is mentioned in this book still is. For example Maurice’s realization that “there always have been people like me and always will be, and generally have been persecuted.” There’s hardly a week goes by that some idiot doesn’t try to pretend that “our community blinked out of existence after ancient greece and only popped back up for the AIDS
crisis”. (https://mobile.twitter.com/entoncesallora/status/1089390202374799360)
I admit I was surprised to find Forster’s observations on class just as interesting as Maurice’s love affairs, but I think I was surprised by most of the book, if I’m honest. I liked it a lot better than I expected to while also enjoying its quality (yes, those are different things). It’s definitely worth reading if you’re interested in queer history or English literature.
It’s rightfully famous for being one of the first pieces of modern gay literature and Forster’s insistence of it having a happy ending (and of it not being published during his lifetime). There were many things I found impressive - not least the way Maurice becomes aware of his own nature. And while certainly things have improved for the LGBTQ+ community in the last hundred years, it’s amazing how relevant so much of what is mentioned in this book still is. For example Maurice’s realization that “there always have been people like me and always will be, and generally have been persecuted.” There’s hardly a week goes by that some idiot doesn’t try to pretend that “our community blinked out of existence after ancient greece and only popped back up for the AIDS
crisis”. (https://mobile.twitter.com/entoncesallora/status/1089390202374799360)
I admit I was surprised to find Forster’s observations on class just as interesting as Maurice’s love affairs, but I think I was surprised by most of the book, if I’m honest. I liked it a lot better than I expected to while also enjoying its quality (yes, those are different things). It’s definitely worth reading if you’re interested in queer history or English literature.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Not even exaggerating—if you are gay you need to read this book….. this could be the best gay book I’ve ever read. Originally written in 1913/1914 but only published posthumously, this is a touching, beautifully crafted bildungsroman about a gay boy named Maurice Hall and his love triangle (and the horrors of attraction, intimacy, criminalized homosexuality, and class) <333
What a beautiful novel! This book is about happiness, especially having been written over 100 years ago, in 1914, when sexual heterodoxy was prosecuted in real life.
‘‘... I since cricket match do long to talk with one of my arms round you, then place both arms round you and share with you, the above now seems sweeter to me than words can say...’’
‘‘... I since cricket match do long to talk with one of my arms round you, then place both arms round you and share with you, the above now seems sweeter to me than words can say...’’
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Enjoyed reading the book, and having a gay love story from a different era. However did find the book rather challenging to read at times, with it being slightly too cynical and self indulgent at times. But I think this reflects how Foster was during his life. However, I did really enjoy the ending of the book and the clear themes of classicism in romantic relationships during this time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Classism
Forster is one of my favorite English novelists and I have always meant to read this book. The writing of it was probably very personal for him, and it is a very strong argument for the fact that people don't choose to be gay. He strongly suggests that society must accept it, or at the very least not outlaw it. I was interested to learn that it wasn't published until after his death.
In classic Forster form, he deals with class and social criticism through love and sex in this book as well. His use of allusion and symbolism was pretty well done, too. The outdoors, water and greenwood, emphasize or symbolize love and freedom in Maurice. Night or darkness represents sexuality.
In his terminal notes, he mentioned he thought people would find the book dated, and I have to agree. In the end, I didn't think it was as powerful as Howard's End or A Passage to India. My first issue is that he was too subtle and evasively descriptive about homosexual love. He seems uncomfortable with the topic. Also, it seems his agenda may have interfered with his art in the book.
As far as recommendations, I suggest you read Howard's End or A Passage to India.
In classic Forster form, he deals with class and social criticism through love and sex in this book as well. His use of allusion and symbolism was pretty well done, too. The outdoors, water and greenwood, emphasize or symbolize love and freedom in Maurice. Night or darkness represents sexuality.
In his terminal notes, he mentioned he thought people would find the book dated, and I have to agree. In the end, I didn't think it was as powerful as Howard's End or A Passage to India. My first issue is that he was too subtle and evasively descriptive about homosexual love. He seems uncomfortable with the topic. Also, it seems his agenda may have interfered with his art in the book.
As far as recommendations, I suggest you read Howard's End or A Passage to India.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“He educated Maurice, or rather his spirit educated Maurice's spirit, for they themselves became equal. Neither thought "Am I led; am I leading?" Love had caught him out of triviality and Maurice out of bewilderment in order that two imperfect souls might touch perfection.“
- Gorgeously written, and I believe this book to be a very important novel. Written in 1913 where society’s general understanding and acceptance of homosexuality was extremely limited, E.M Forster still managed to write a beautiful love story between two men, with a happy ending. (which was very unusual at the time) This novel was revolutionary for it’s time and therefore especially important today.
- Gorgeously written, and I believe this book to be a very important novel. Written in 1913 where society’s general understanding and acceptance of homosexuality was extremely limited, E.M Forster still managed to write a beautiful love story between two men, with a happy ending. (which was very unusual at the time) This novel was revolutionary for it’s time and therefore especially important today.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes