Maurice

by E.M. Forster
Maurice cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 6393
  • Added: 2025-11-16
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781444737202
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-09-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Maurice Hall's journey from a privileged upbringing to emotional and sexual awakening is a powerful exploration of love and societal norms. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century England, the novel delves into the complexities of relationships and the struggle for acceptance. Forster's masterful storytelling brings to life the internal conflicts and external pressures that Maurice faces as he navigates his desires and the expectations of society. /n/n Completed in 1914 but published only posthumously in 1971, Maurice is a testament to Forster's courage and vision. The novel's themes of love, identity, and the pursuit of happiness remain resonant and timely, making it a enduring classic of queer literature.

Reviews
GLR - Gay and Lesbian Review · 2020-02-25
great 4.00

The book is a compelling and sensitive love story, full of hope and possibility. It's a powerful condemnation of repressive attitudes.

The reviewer at GLR - Gay and Lesbian Review finds Maurice to be a compelling and sensitive love story, full of hope and possibility. They appreciate the book's powerful condemnation of repressive attitudes, making it a moving and impactful read. The review also notes that despite initial criticisms, the book stands out as a significant work. The reviewer highlights the emotional depth and the nuanced portrayal of love and societal constraints, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    At the same time, Maurice manages to be a compelling and sensitive love story, one full of hope and possibility for the reclamation of one's self.

    Maurice is a powerful condemnation of the repressive attitudes of British society.

    The book offers a moving love story that is both compelling and sensitive.

Dear Author · 2015-02-20
good 3.50

The book is a compelling and sensitive love story, full of hope and possibility. It's a powerful condemnation of repressive attitudes.

The reviewer at Dear Author finds Maurice to be a compelling and sensitive love story, full of hope and possibility. They appreciate the book's powerful condemnation of repressive attitudes, making it a moving and impactful read. The review also notes that despite initial criticisms, the book stands out as a significant work. The reviewer highlights the emotional depth and the nuanced portrayal of love and societal constraints, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    When it was finally published posthumously in 1971, a number of critics called it a lesser work and even mediocre.

    While I agree with the “lesser work” assessment, I found Maurice to be a compelling and sensitive love story.

    Maurice manages to be a compelling and sensitive love story, one full of hope and possibility for the reclamation of one's self.

The Guardian · Laurence Scott · 2013-07-05
insightful 4.00

The book argues for a space beyond scrutiny, physical or psychological. It's a poignant exploration of love and societal repression.

Laurence Scott delves into the themes of love and societal repression in Maurice. They highlight the book's argument for a space beyond scrutiny, whether physical or psychological, and how this resonates with the characters' struggles. The review also touches on the timelessness of the book's message, making it relevant even decades after its publication. Scott appreciates the nuanced portrayal of love and the societal constraints that the characters face, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    EM Forster's Maurice argues for the preservation of a space, physical or psychological, beyond any sort of scrutiny.

    The book's exploration of love and societal repression is timeless.

    Maurice is a poignant exploration of the human condition.

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