Few writers understood the conflicts of the British upper class like E.M. Forster. Without glorifying the inexplicable luxuries and opportunities, he managed to dig into the psychological weight of a culture that was expanding its potential throughout the 21st century. It was moving away from a more pioneering generation into one that had to grapple with its place alongside the changing rights of those around them. In "Howards End," he takes things closer to home by focusing on the complications of who gets to own the titular house. For what could've been a prolonged auctioneering tale turns into an emotional study of the haves and have-nots, including what it means to have a sense of safety. With the familiar with and charm, he captures characters of different generations and ideologies coming together to reflect, often humorously, on a society that cannot see eye to eye. In a career full of masterpieces, this one stands out for its simplicity and maturity, finding decades of observations coming together in one profound and timeless thesis.
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