If you're a fan of Austen
Monday, July 18, 2016I am one of those many women who loves all things Austen.
Although I am of the opinion that you can't have read Pride and Prejudice 'too many times' I have however, found a book very reminiscent of Austen for the interim.
A literary classic much like Austen's novels, A room with a view by E.M Forster has the same witty social commentary that I love in Austen's novels. Forster's novel also centres around Edwardian life however, he does so in both England and in Italy. The novel explores the tales of a young Lucy Honeychurch discontented with the 'prim and proper' lifestyle she is accustomed to. Forster like Austen also uses an older female figure to convey these societal values at the time making for some laughs for the readers. Miss Honeychurch story like Austen's heroin's tells of falling in love.
Forster implores the wit that I love in Austen's novels by exploring the contrasts between medieval and Renaissance figures and even the theme of women's suffrage. This coming of age tale much like Austen's work is definitely worth reading.
The 1985 film Version of this book, a Merchant Ivory production is also very good. The films cast include a very young Helena Bonham Carter, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Daniel Day Lewis. I recommend reading the book before hand but if you're someone who loves to see the story in both forms this is great.



0 comments