Where Angels Fear to Tread
Where Angels Fear to Tread
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Book Brief
148
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
RomanceItaly • Early 1900s
•
Justice•
Love1905
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Where Angels Fear to Tread follows Lilia Herriton, a young widow who seeks to escape the repressive society of Edwardian England by traveling to Italy, where she falls in love with and marries Gino Carella, a local man from a lower-class background. Her sudden death leads to a bitter custody battle between Gino and the Herriton family over her son.
Humorous
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
19,624 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forster intricately explores cultural clashes and personal folly through its richly developed characters and poignant settings. Critics praise Forster's sharp wit and emotional depth but note inconsistent pacing. The novel's exploration of societal norms and human flaws remains impactful, though some find the resolution unsatisfying. Forster, E. M. Where Angels Fear to Tread.
Who Should Read Where Angels Fear to Tread?
Readers who enjoy Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forster typically appreciate nuanced social commentary, exploration of cultural clashes, and character-driven narratives. Fans of Henry James's The Portrait of a Lady or Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence will find similar themes of societal expectations and personal desires.
19,624 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A friend of the Herriton family who travels to Italy and becomes emotionally involved in the events surrounding Lilia's marriage, ultimately undergoing a journey of self-discovery and empathy.
An Italian man whose marriage to Lilia triggers a cultural and familial conflict with the Herritons, characterized by his passionate nature and traditional views.
A spirited young widow from an English family who seeks freedom through her impulsive marriage to Gino, sparking the central conflict of the narrative.
Philip's sister, known for her rigid and unyielding moral views, who takes decisive actions that drastically impact the outcome of the family's dealings in Italy.
The controlling matriarch of the Herriton family, whose main concern is maintaining social respectability and family honor above personal happiness.
148
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
RomanceItaly • Early 1900s
•
Justice•
Love1905
Adult
18+ years
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