The Forsyte Saga

by John Galsworthy
The Forsyte Saga cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 4029
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780192838629
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
  • Published: 1999-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

The Forsyte Saga, comprising three novels, traces the waning social influence of the upper-middle-class Forsyte family from 1886 to 1920. At its core is Soames Forsyte, a Victorian whose unrequited passion for his wife Irene drives the narrative, exploring themes of family, societal change, and the role of women in a male-dominated world. Galsworthy's nuanced portrayal examines the tension between wealth and humanity, highlighting the clash between materialistic values and the pursuit of love, beauty, and art. The saga offers a profound reflection on English culture and the evolving social landscape of the early 20th century.

Reviews
Henry Kisor's Reviews · Henry Kisor · 2024-05-06
poignant 4.50

This saga is a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the eternal conflict between tradition and modernity. It spans three generations and is deeply engaging.

Henry Kisor praises The Forsyte Saga for its sweeping narrative that spans three generations, offering a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the conflict between tradition and modernity. They find the characters and their struggles deeply engaging, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the story, which keeps readers invested throughout.

Quick quotes

    The Forsyte Saga is a sweeping tale that spans three generations.

    At its core, it is a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the eternal conflict between tradition and modernity.

    The characters and their struggles are deeply engaging.

Kabir Altaf's Blog · Kabir Altaf · 2020-06-11
engaging 4.00

This book is recommended for fans of family dramas and those interested in social history. It offers a rich exploration of societal changes and family dynamics.

Kabir Altaf highlights the Forsyte Saga as a compelling family drama that delves deep into the social history of its time. They appreciate the intricate portrayal of the Forsyte family, noting how the narrative captures the shifting societal norms and values. The reviewer finds the characters and their interactions fascinating, making it a must-read for those who enjoy exploring the complexities of family life and historical context.

Quick quotes

    The Forsyte Saga is a rich tapestry of family dynamics and societal change.

    Galsworthy's writing is both insightful and engaging.

    The characters are so well-developed that you can't help but get invested in their stories.

Rebecca Reid's Reviews · Rebecca Reid · 2009-06-22
memorable 3.50

The first novel in the saga is particularly strong, though the subsequent ones don't quite match up. It provides a memorable look at the turn of the century.

Rebecca Reid finds the first part of The Forsyte Saga to be exceptionally strong, capturing the essence of the era beautifully. They note that while the first novel is a standout, the following books in the series don't quite live up to the same standard. Despite this, the saga as a whole offers a memorable glimpse into the societal changes and personal dramas of the time, making it a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    The Forsyte Saga was memorable as a look at the changing era at the turn of the century.

    I loved the first novel, but the second two didn't quite stack up.

    The characters and their struggles are vividly brought to life.

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