A Room with a View - Pre-Read

[Renata]

Hello Readers!
This is the Pre-Read thread for the August 2021 Classics selection. This month we will be reading A Room with a View by E.M. Forster.

Please note that this is a SPOILER FREE discussion.

Who's planning to join in on this read? Is this a first-time read, or a re-read of an old favorite? What are your expectations in picking this book up?

[Cheryl]

I have never had interest, but I see that it's short, and of course free to read online. And recently I heard that it's humorous? So, someone talk me into it... and I'll try to make room in my plans for August... ;)

[Letterrausch]

I think I'll join in. I have read so many new(er) releases this year that I definitely need some classics for my own peace of mind. And since I haven't read anything by Forster yet, this should be a good chance to remedy that fact.

[Mary Erickson]

I just joined the group, primarily on seeing that this was coming up in August. I love having a nudge to finally read a classic I've missed. I have usually enjoyed books from this period. I know its been made into at least one movie, so I expect a good read with interesting characters. I know nothing about the plot, and that's fine by me.

[Cheryl]

The only other Foster I've read is the story The Machine Stops. Novelette of speculative fiction, on lots of 'early SF' lists... very good but, I assume, very different....

[Kim]

I'm in! Just found this at a used book shop in CT. Have never read Forster so looking forward to it. I did see the film ages ago but don't really remember it.

[adele]

I had never heard of this book before it was nominated and chosen for the group, and for whatever reason, was suuuper hesitant and not particularly excited for it. But I’m now just 6 chapters in and I already get why it’s a classic. I’m loving it so far and just wanted to pop in and give encouragement to anyone who might otherwise be in the same space I was in to give it a shot (truly, it doesn’t take more than 2 chapters and 30 minutes to draw you in), but I also wanted to thank you guys who voted for this book in helping me get out of my reading comfort zone! Great pick!!

[Cheryl]

Thank you Adele. My library copy is sitting on the pile with its blurb that makes it out to be all literary and serious, no mention of the humor or enjoyment one might find. I'll try to get to it soon.

[Cheryl]

Oh I am loving this, and yes it is funny... but not just funny, also smart. I recommend it to others who have been putting it off, too.
And don't worry about not understanding the place names, allusions, etc. Mainly pay attention to the social interactions and the way they're talked about.

[superawesomekt]

I actually read this with a book club years ago and am excited to re-read it. It took some getting into, but he is a really exceptional writer, I think.

[Anna]

Started this a couple of days ago and am enjoying it so far, but definitely haven’t gotten into the meat of it yet I’m assuming.