Honest review of A Room with a View

by E. M. Forster (Author)

Updated at: 23/01/2025

E.M. Forster's A Room with a View transports readers to Edwardian Italy, following Lucy Honeychurch's journey of self-discovery. This captivating novel explores themes of societal expectations, passion, and the clash between personal desires and convention. Lucy's idyllic Italian holiday takes an unexpected turn, challenging her ingrained prejudices and prompting a reevaluation of her life. This unique edition enhances the reading experience by incorporating QR codes at the end of each chapter. These codes provide instant access to corresponding audiobook segments, allowing for flexible and convenient enjoyment – whether you prefer to read, listen, or switch between the two throughout your journey with Lucy and her companions.

4.1 / 7,566 ratings

Review A Room with a View

Oh my goodness, A Room with a View! This was, I think, my third time reading E.M. Forster's masterpiece, and honestly, I enjoyed it just as much as the first time, maybe even more. There's something timeless about this book that keeps drawing me back. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea – and that’s perfectly fine! But for me, it's an absolute delight. I'll likely read it again in the future.

What makes it so special? Well, for starters, it explores the human condition in a way that feels incredibly relevant, even though the story takes place in 1908 (Edwardian England, not Victorian, a crucial distinction!). Forster masterfully touches on themes of love, prejudice, societal expectations, and the clash between personal desires and family obligations. He uses gentle humor to highlight the absurdity of rigid social structures, particularly within the English upper-middle class. The cultural differences between England and Italy in that era also add a fascinating layer to the story, showing the naiveté and sometimes snobbish behavior of the British tourists encountering a very different culture. Even now, these issues continue to resonate, proving that some things truly never change.

The characters are beautifully drawn. Lucy Honeychurch, our protagonist, is a young woman grappling with her own burgeoning awareness and struggling against societal constraints. She's intelligent, even if she doesn't fully realize it at first, and her journey of self-discovery is both captivating and relatable. Forster uses some stereotypes of the time, but he uses them effectively to build his story, creating characters who, while perhaps archetypal, are also nuanced and complex.

The narrative itself is a joy to read. Forster's prose is exquisite – descriptive and engaging. I found myself completely lost in his lyrical descriptions of the Italian countryside and the vibrant culture of Florence. The audiobook feature in this edition is a great bonus! The ability to seamlessly switch between reading and listening is incredibly convenient for adjusting to different situations. It adds a layer of accessibility that allows readers to experience the story in their preferred way. The added convenience makes this edition particularly appealing.

While the pacing might feel a little slower in parts compared to modern novels, this is part of the charm. It allows for a deeper immersion into the story and its characters. The slow burn romance between Lucy and George is both tender and frustratingly realistic, reflecting the social barriers they must overcome.

Overall, A Room with a View is a classic for a reason. It's well-written, thought-provoking, and utterly charming. While it may not appeal to all readers, its exploration of enduring human themes and its beautiful prose makes it a worthwhile read for those seeking a captivating and intelligent story. The inclusion of the audiobook feature elevates this edition to a must-have for fans of both classic literature and the convenience of modern technology.