We are all people and connected somehow but when it comes to the question of nationality and race it becomes a hindrance to some and a difficult thing to overcome. The hypocritical British India is shaken and probably even dropped a little from its pedestal (the court scene) but the prejudices stay and ultimately we wait what happens to the friendship of an Englishman and an Indian. Forster's writing is rich and though sometimes seemingly simple it has some underlying symbolism and great thoughts.

Didn't feel that emotionally attached to anything about this. I read it in a couple of hours and easily forgot everything. I was surprised by the difference between this and Maurice.

Describes the alienation and feeling of rejection really well and overall subtlety that Forster deals with the subject is very appealing. Attitudes towards homosexuality may be tied to the era it was written but I think that our modern society has some similarities. I loved the fact that by writing a happy ending Forster questions the condemning England.

Edit 15/8/2014 Watched the film. Freddy! Young Julian Sands! Pond scene! So much fun.

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A light Edwardian comedy with an ordinary romantic situation, but Forster makes even romance tolerable with his fun over the top characters and satirical jabs at the conventions of the stuffy society. His writing is also polished and clear as always. I don't completely approve Forster's idea of the Dark Army, though (makes me question if he was serious about that).

The first part that takes place in Italy was (according to Forster's afterword) abandoned for a while, which might explain why the second part isn't nearly as entertaining. Although I loved the scene where George and Freddy go swimming with the vicar, it was hilarious! From the first part my favorite is probably the one where Lucy rebels by buying pictures of nude art. Raunchy.

Sadly, my favorite quote has to be put into spoiler tags.

Spoiler

"When we were only acquaintances, you let me be myself, but now you're always protecting me...I won't be protected. I will choose for myself what is ladylike and right. To shield me is an insult. Can't I be trusted to face the truth but I must get it second-hand through you? ...you wrap yourself up in art and books and music, and would try to wrap up me. I won't be stifled, not by the most glorious music, for people are more glorious, and you hide them from me. That's why I break off my engagement."

Ugh, now I want to see the Merchant Ivory film. Possibly with something sparkly in my hand...?

Taking seriously a book which starts with a giant helmet falling from the sky and killing a prince, turned out to be quite impossible. That is precisely why I kind of liked the whole thing. There's just so many ridiculous events and strangely behaving characters, that in the end it's just funny instead of scary. The plot is so fast-paced you barely have time to consider what would possibly happen next, and sometimes you can't help but roll your eyes at the words that the characters let out of their mouths. Therefore it's best to remember that this is more like the prototype of all Gothic novels that were later published. Their authors refined and adapted the main themes of Otranto and obviously did it with more success than Walpole.