A review by trin
Where Angels Fear to Tread by E.M. Forster

dark reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Trust the British to come up with exciting new ways to be racist toward Italians.

In this, his first novel, Forster is mostly parodying, occasionally playing into, these stereotypes. Italy also clearly serves as a metaphor for freedom, both personal and sexual, in a way that feels more finely developed in the later [book:A Room with a View|3087]. Forster is on the record being very critical of Henry James, but it still feels like he's operating in a bit of a Jamesian mode here. Nevertheless, this book is beautifully written, emotionally riveting, tragic.