A review by tamracielle
A Passage to India by E.M. Forster

4.0

I listen to recorded books during my daily commute, and I have to admit that this form of experiencing books lends itself more to the enjoyment of fast-paced thrillers rather than slow-paced “classics.” However, occasionally, one needs to take a break from a “junk food” book diet and experience some real literature. It is often hard to stay focused when listening to these types of books; the distractions of the commute often take me out of the story. And such was the case when I started listening to A Passage to India, and I feared it would be a long slog. I also had not realized the book was published in 1924, almost 100 years ago. But despite my misgivings, I was soon drawn into the story, and I now have an appreciation for E.M. Forster’s talent and understanding of why this is considered a classic. It is an incredibly perceptive portrayal of India during the British Raj and the difficulty of maintaining friendships between Indians and Britons. Recommended.