Regina Marler

Two moneyed families collide in this novel about social conventions and attitudes in early 20th century England. The Schlegel sisters have a comfortable allowance that allows them to pursue a life of the arts and discussion of liberal ideas on how to help the poor. The Wilcoxes have more money and property, but it never seems to be enough and their attitude toward the poorer classes is that they need to be left in their places. But when Helen Schlegel briefly falls in love with one of the show more younger Wilcox sons, the families are brought into the same orbit. Although Helen's infatuation is quickly ended, her sister Margaret begins a friendship with the stiff and proper Mrs. Wilcox, and the two soon have more in common than imagined.

The book is compelling enough and even though it wasn't a 'can't-put-down' kind of book until the latter half, I still felt drawn back into it. The story revolves around the Wilcoxes country home, Howards End, and the house becomes a shadowy background character in a very interesting way. There's also a third party - Leonard Bast and his "wife" - who are lower class, but they add an interesting element and move the story forward in a clever way. The writing occasionally felt fragmented and disjointed - probably on purpose - but it sometimes kept me from feeling like I really knew what was going on. Still, a very good read and now I can't wait to watch the short series on Amazon Prime. show less