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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
At times overwritten, this - however - remains a perceptive exploration of human character and cultural stresses. It's such a relief to read a book which is well-written: the language flows intelligently and fluently, and it has much to say even to our 21st century world. Not a perfect book, but a very good one.
This novels seems political, but it is not. It seems dramatic, but it is not. It seems romatic, but it is not. It seems informative, but it is not. "Mystic" might be the word. Forster could pinpoint the likely attitude and views of the oppressor and oppressed in British colonial India. He did not say any political consequences of these views. He did not take sides - the British or the Indians. All Indians will be like Azizs or all British will be like Fielding or Ronny- one cannot genearlize. Forster, but, wants to give some bright light on Fielding. Anyway, his characters and descriptions become 3D in this large setting of historical India.
The novel is not political compared to Burmese Days by George Orwell, who uses most "materials" and similar setting from Passage to India. The main difference, though, is GO wrote political consequences of the British Empire through one of the main characters U Po Kyin which fits well with posterity.
The novel is not political compared to Burmese Days by George Orwell, who uses most "materials" and similar setting from Passage to India. The main difference, though, is GO wrote political consequences of the British Empire through one of the main characters U Po Kyin which fits well with posterity.
Written while Britain was ruling India, this book is about a friendship between an Englishman and an Indian doctor. It explores prejudice the Indians faced in their own country. But ultimately this book is about friendship. Part educational and part narrative it was an interesting book but it didn’t captivate me.
Interesting perspective on british colonialism in India, the Indian struggled between Hinduism and Islam, Indian culture and the role of women and women liberation. Probably wouldn't have read it if it wasn't for my bookclub but now I can say I have.
Before this book, I had read little from the time when India was under British rule. I really liked the primary conflict in the story, even if it took a long time to get there, and the details of that time period and location. The book starts really slow, but it's definitely worth reading.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It took me a little longer to get into this book than A Room with a View, but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed it. Forster's writing is lyrical and a joy to read, with beautiful descriptions of India and vivid characters. This time period continues to intrigue me, and this book made me want to read more written in pre-independence India. The third section of the book dragged a bit, and the last two chapters were too heavy-handed with the moral message and symbolism for my taste, so only 4 stars.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
slow-paced