61 pages • 2 hours read
Howards End
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Book Brief
318
Novel • Fiction
England • Edwardian Era
1910
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Howards End by E. M. Forster is set in Edwardian England and follows the intersecting lives of two families, the idealistic Schlegels and the pragmatic Wilcoxes. The story centers on Margaret Schlegel, who inherits the Wilcox country home, Howards End, but faces challenges when her relationship with Henry Wilcox complicates the lives of her family and Leonard Bast, a poor clerk. Issues such as extramarital affairs and manslaughter are present in the book.
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Romantic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
95,601 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
E. M. Forster's Howards End explores class and human connection in early 20th-century England. Praised for its rich character development and insightful social commentary, the novel remains a seminal work in English literature. Critics highlight its slow pacing and dense prose, which may challenge some readers, yet these elements enrich its thematic depth.
Who Should Read Howards End?
Readers who relish complex social interactions and early 20th-century British settings will appreciate Howards End by E. M. Forster. Fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse will enjoy the exploration of class, relationships, and transformation in this novel.
95,601 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Helen Schlegel
Helen Schlegel
The younger Schlegel sister, Helen is idealistic and impulsive, and her passionate pursuits often lead to significant developments in the narrative as she seeks to align her actions with her values.
Mr. Wilcox
Mr. Wilcox
The patriarch of the Wilcox family, Mr. Wilcox is a successful businessman with a pragmatic and confident demeanor, whose interactions with the Schlegel sisters highlight differing perspectives on emotion and practicality.
Mrs. Wilcox
Mrs. Wilcox
A wise and nurturing figure, Mrs. Wilcox has a deep connection to Howards End and an instinctual understanding of people, influencing the other characters with her serene and enigmatic presence.
Leonard Bast
Leonard Bast
A clerk with a sincere love for art and adventure, Leonard's interactions with the Schlegel sisters reflect the challenges of class divisions and highlight his efforts to improve his socioeconomic status amidst difficult circumstances.
318
Novel • Fiction
England • Edwardian Era
1910
Adult
18+ years
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