The Bertolini – “The Signora had no business to do it,” said Miss Bartlett, “no business at all. She promised us south rooms with a view close together, instead of which here are north rooms, looking into a courtyard, and a long way apart. Oh, Lucy!”
A Room with a View
By E.M. Forster
Source: Personal copy
So begins the story of Miss Lucy Honeychurch and her chaperone Miss Charlotte Bartlett. The two English women have traveled to Italy and are getting settled in their pensione when they realize that they do not have rooms with desirable views and frankly everywhere they look reminds them of home.
At once Mr. Emerson who has heard their dismay offers to exchange rooms with them. He and his son, George, would be delighted to trade their rooms which do have views. This behavior seems unseemly to the women but they are persuaded to trade their rooms. Now the ladies finally have rooms to their satisfaction and armed with their trusted Baedeker Guidebook can set to visit Florence.
As days unfold, Lucy continues to get to know Mr. Emerson and his son better. George is quiet but there is something that intrigues Lucy. Still it is not until one fateful day where they witness a tragedy and then they end up sharing a kiss. This will not do and Miss Barlett decides that they must leave Florence at once and move on to Rome. In Rome they meet the Vyse family and immediately Cecil begins to pursue Lucy.
The setting them moves to England where Lucy has accepted to marry Cecil but the past is going to catch up with Lucy and once again she’ll meet George.
There were so many things I thoroughly enjoyed about this novel, from learning about travel in the early 1900s to feeling for a young woman who is finding out about love. Does she follow convention or does she give in to her heart? If you’ve not read this classic I hope you will add it to your reading list. It will surely transport you to another place and time.
**This counts for the Back to the Classics Reading challenge, travel category, and Mount TBR Challenge
Oh, this was a lovely book, glad you liked it. And I really liked the movie with Helen Bonham Carter too.
I’ve never read it, but your review has certainly increased my interest!
I love this book! It’s one of my most favorite classics. 😀
yet another book I’ve always wanted to read. glad that you enjoyed it so much Iliana.
I’ve never read this, but I do remember enjoying the film. I can get it for .99 on my Nook, so I think I’ll download it!
I loved this book… and most of E.M.Forster’s others, too! It’s on my list to reread, maybe on audio this time.
I haven’t read this one or any of E.M. Forster’s books, I’m afraid. I think I have this on my shelf though. You make it sound so good!
This is a favourite of mine. I especially love the chapter titles!