Sophia C. reviewed on + 289 more book reviews
I found EM Forsters A Room with a View to be a delightful coming-of-age story about love, passion, and self-discovery. When Lucy Honeychurch, chaperoned by her cousin Charlotte, checks into a Florentine pensione, Mr. Emerson offers to change rooms so she may have the title room with a view. A chance encounter with Mr. Emersons son George sparks romance -- or scandal? When we next see Lucy, shes back home in England, engaged to a gentleman named Cecil, but does she really follow through? The symbolism of rooms and views, as well as the backdrops of England and Italy, lends depth to the social interactions. Not only is EM Forster an astute observer of social conventions, but his prose (which strikes me as a cross between Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde) inspires the reader to believe life can be lived more fully, more passionately, more satisfyingly. This was a wonderful read worthy of its place on the list of 1001 books you must read before you die.
