A review by williamgideon
Maurice by E.M. Forster

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I had seen the film adaptation a billion times, since it's one of my all time favourites, so I was very excited to read the source material. And I was not disappointed either! The writing style is beautiful yet very comprehensible, the pacing is perfect, but my favourite part is the characters. Forster has really captured the complexeties that come with queerness, the different attitudes people have towards their own queerness. He does this through a dynamic set of characters with Maurice at the forefront, his journey from childhood to adulthood, from shame and disgust to liberation and happiness. What I really appreciate and what makes this story my favourite, is Maurice's growth.
The end, where he is able to stand up to Clive, to assert himself and his needs is so powerful and such a contrast to the earlier parts of the novel. I'm so happy Maurice got what he deserved.
The terminal note from Forster was also really great. I usually don't read those but it really added a lot for me this time.
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