To observe or create.....this slightly gloomy symbolic satire of the bubbled British society asks how we shall spend our journey

I hadn’t heard of this title and it’s a long time since I read any of Forster’s work. I was keen to know how well it stands up almost 120 years after publication. I found it totally engaging. As expected, the writing is superb; precise, well paced and often languorous. Rickie Eliot is the central troubled character. A Cambridge student struggling through a world that’s very different with people from different social class.

It’s a slow build filled with repressed sexual tension and an exploration of a character who sets out on an ambitious journey in life, only to have his hopes thwarted and dashed. I found it a convincing study of Edwardian manners and attitudes and I’m surprised it has received wider acclaim and recognition. Interesting and well balanced and the narration was perfect. Well paced and very relaxing. I’ll listen to this title again.

Although not driven by plot and character to the same degree as other writings by Forster, the genius in The Longest Journey is in its simplicity, and the words not expressed. Rickie is a sensitive and creative individual whose aspirations become quashed when he makes an ill judged marriage choice. As he is bullied by his wife and siblings, his happiness eeks away, and he falls slowly into despair. Forster is known to dislike the Victorian class system, and his representation of the Pembrokes certainly supports this. Hope for the future comes in escaping stringent Victorian mindset. The audiobook narration really made this book for me with narration by Mark Elstob. It was a soothing and listen. #thelongestjourney #emforster #audiobook #netgalley #markelstob

Classic book by E.M. Forster Gets new Ife with lovely narration. A thoroughly enjoyable listen

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The narrator does a fantastic job of bringing this classic piece of fiction to life. Rickie Elliot is trying to make his way in life from very humble beginnings and remarkably manages to achieve many things, but it feels like he is constantly swimming against the tide. Rickie is introduced to us at Cambridge, where he decides to become a writer. His journey to follow this plan is a bumpy one and I couldn't help but sympathise with some of his decisions, not always sensible ones. I enjoyed this audio book and thought of it as a reminder that however hard we try life isn't always a straight line. Thank you to Net galley for an audio arc in exchange for an honest review.