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E. M. Forster
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Where Angels Fear to Tread: E. M. Forster (The Penguin English Library) Paperback – International Edition, 31 May 2012

by E. M. Forster (Author)
3.7 out of 5 stars 192 ratings
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The Penguin English Library Edition of Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forster

'I had got an idea that everyone here spent their lives in making little sacrifices for objects they didn't care for, to please people they didn't love; that they never learned to be sincere - and, what's as bad, never learned how to enjoy themselves'

E. M. Forster's first novel is a witty comedy of manners that is tinged with tragedy. It tells the story of Lilia Herriton, who proves to be an embarrassment to her late husband's family as, in the small Tuscan town of Monteriano, she begins a relationship with a much younger Italian man - classless, uncouth and highly unsuitable. A subtle attack on decorous Edwardian values and a humanely sympathetic portrayal of the clash of two cultures, Where Angels Fear to Tread is also a profound exploration of character and virtue.

The Penguin English Library - 100 editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century and the very first novels to the beginning of the First World War.

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  1. Print length
    176 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Penguin Classics
  4. Publication date
    31 May 2012
  5. Dimensions
    19.8 x 1 x 12.9 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0141199253
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0141199252
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From the Back Cover

The Penguin English Library Edition of Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forster

'I had got an idea that everyone here spent their lives in making little sacrifices for objects they didn't care for, to please people they didn't love; that they never learned to be sincere - and, what's as bad, never learned how to enjoy themselves'

E. M. Forster's first novel is a witty comedy of manners that is tinged with tragedy. It tells the story of Lilia Herriton, who proves to be an embarrassment to her late husband's family as, in the small Tuscan town of Monteriano, she begins a relationship with a much younger Italian man - classless, uncouth and highly unsuitable. A subtle attack on decorous Edwardian values and a humanely sympathetic portrayal of the clash of two cultures, Where Angels Fear to Tread is also a profound exploration of character and virtue.

The Penguin English Library - 100 editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century and the very first novels to the beginning of the First World War.

About the Author

Edward Morgan Forster (1879-1970) wrote six novels - Where Angels Fear to Tread (1905), The Longest Journey (1907), A Room with a View (1908), Howards End (1910), A Passage to India (1924). Maurice , written in 1914, was published posthumously in 1971. He also published two volumes of short stories; two collections of essays; a critical work (Aspects of the Novel); The Hill of Devi; two biographies; two books about Alexandria; and the libretto for Britten's opera Billy Budd.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Classics; 1st edition (31 May 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0141199253
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0141199252
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 19.8 x 1 x 12.9 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    3.7 out of 5 stars 192 ratings

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E. M. Forster

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Customer reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
192 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book readable, with one noting it's a small novel of just over 150 pages. Moreover, the storytelling receives positive feedback, with one customer highlighting how Forster clearly sets out back stories. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's thought-provoking nature, with one describing it as an interesting example of its time.

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5 customers mention ‘Readability’5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one customer noting it's a small novel of just over 150 pages that reads like a modern-day thriller.

"A book I read as a teenager, still thought provoking and amazing!" Read more

"...was E M Forster’s first novel to be published and, as a debut, it is a good one; however, as a first novel it does have its small flaws and one does..." Read more

"This is a small novel of just over 150 pages, split into 10 chapters and it's really easy to read...." Read more

"An excellent novel that is as readable as many modern day thrillers." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Storytelling’4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, with one customer noting how Forster clearly sets out back stories, while another finds the plot straightforward.

"...That said, parts of this story are rather engaging, other parts quite amusing and the characters, albeit some of them rather stereotypical..." Read more

"...Anyway, the novel was interesting, though not gripping...." Read more

"...It is a short novel and the plot is straightforward - lots happens in such a few pages and it has to be straightforward...." Read more

"Very gentle, well told story." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Thought provoking’3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, with one noting it provides an interesting example of the time period.

"A book I read as a teenager, still thought provoking and amazing!" Read more

"...(and, quite possibly, intentionally so), are all of them interesting to read about - especially when the author puts Philip and Caroline into..." Read more

"Interesting example of the time and enjoyable read..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Anna teach
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 April 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A book I read as a teenager, still thought provoking and amazing!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • SusannahB
    4.0 out of 5 stars (3.5 Stars) Fools Rush In Where Angels Fear to Tread
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 February 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Lilia Herriton, a young, comfortably-off widow, leaves her small daughter in the care of her mother-in-law, and travels to Italy accompanied by Caroline Abbott, an attractive and sensible young woman and a friend of the Herriton family. In Italy, seduced by the sights and the romanticism she finds there, the impulsive Lilia embarks upon a relationship with Gino, a very handsome but unsuitable younger man she meets by chance and, to the horror of the Herriton family, she becomes engaged to him. Cue Philip Herriton, her young, unmarried brother-in-law, who rushes out to Italy at the behest of his mother - who, very conscious of her social standing, insists that Philip prevents the marriage taking place; however, we soon see Philip back in England having failed in his mission. Some time later, Philip finds himself back in Italy accompanied by his difficult, snobbish sister, Harriet, on yet another mission for the Herriton family, but he and Harriet are surprised to discover that Caroline Abbott, still emotionally upset by her involvement in the relationship between Lilia and Gino, has come to Italy too. But why is Caroline in Italy? And is she on the side of the Herriton family, or against them?

    This slim novel was E M Forster’s first novel to be published and, as a debut, it is a good one; however, as a first novel it does have its small flaws and one does have the feeling that the author is fathoming out his own style. That said, parts of this story are rather engaging, other parts quite amusing and the characters, albeit some of them rather stereotypical (and, quite possibly, intentionally so), are all of them interesting to read about - especially when the author puts Philip and Caroline into situations that require them to examine their own motivations and personalities and, indeed, their own lives, and I wish this had been further expanded on. Overall, I enjoyed this novel, not as much as E M Forster’s later books it it true, but it was certainly worth reading and reading this has made me want to revisit his third novel ‘A Room with a View’ where the author returns to Italy with a more involving story and with more rounded characters.

    3.5 Stars.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Garbo
    3.0 out of 5 stars Looking forward to trying his other work..
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 July 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Once again, I fear that I've read a book that is only truly exciting in the last pages. The story is thin, but the focus is more on the relationships and prejudices of the characters. Can I just say that I despised Harriet throughout this whole novel. She was conceited, prejudiced and hateful throughout, and it annoyed me thoroughly that she took no blame, or felt any guilt, for her actions and the disastrous consequences. Additionally, that she was not punished for her actions was shocking, and Philip taking the blame on himself, whilst noble, angered me because it allowed her to rid herself of guilt. Her mental breakdown counted for naught in my opinion, because we hear that it was not long-lasting, that she took on no guilt, and that it didn't change her character for the better.

    Anyway, the novel was interesting, though not gripping. I have read that his later novels are far more interesting, so I can forgive that this was a first novel and thus perhaps his writing style was not fully established. I look forward to reading some of the author's other novels of note.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Janie U
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting example of the time and enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 July 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This is a small novel of just over 150 pages, split into 10 chapters and it's really easy to read. I have been given this book to read as part of a literature appreciation course - I read Room With A View many years ago but remember little of it and had not heard of this novel.
    The writing is brilliant from the start. It's very funny and the characters are compelling. Every sentence seems to contain some witticism - this is a novel which needs to be read slowly in order to catch everything.
    It is a short novel and the plot is straightforward - lots happens in such a few pages and it has to be straightforward. Forster clearly sets out back stories, relationships and potential for conflict.
    The plot takes the form of a farce with the characters rushing about without thinking of consequence - everything happens quickly with people and actions being exaggerated for comic effect. There are several elements of the plot which are simply preposterous and made me gasp!
    I found the book very implausible but understood that he was playing with stereotypes of the times. Once used to that then the book becomes quite sensitive as the characters are drawn to their fates.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Paul Wilson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great novel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 July 2019
    Verified Purchase
    An excellent novel that is as readable as many modern day thrillers.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Bryony Holyoake
    5.0 out of 5 stars Famous author……classics…..
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 May 2023
    Verified Purchase
    ….well know novel due to film making. Penguin English Library publishing. Looking forward to reading the original.
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  • EMC
    3.0 out of 5 stars Strength and prejudices of characters just delicious
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 July 2016
    The story was a little lite for me; I enjoy the intricacies that came with his later work. The strength and prejudices of his characters though are as strong and as beguiling as with all of his works.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars and l wasn't disappointed. After reading so many Hardy books I was ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 December 2016
    Verified Purchase
    My first EFM book,and l wasn't disappointed.After reading so many Hardy books I was surprised to read more tragedy,but it was so unpredictable.The book was seeped,intentionally perhaps,in the snobbery and predudice of a well placed ,wealthy English family.Italian culture,rural and a complete contrast,met this alien attitude and in a way won ,but at what a price.A clever author who will test my so ordinary brain.
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Atulya Sinha
    5.0 out of 5 stars YOUTHFUL NOVEL
    Reviewed in India on 9 July 2018
    Verified Purchase
    “Where Angels Fear to Tread,” Forster’s first and perhaps finest novel, is a marvellous comedy of manners, but with tragic undertones. Much of the plot is about the clash between prevailing cultures and values – the raw emotions of Italy in sharp contrast to the complex social etiquette of Edwardian England.

    This is a youthful novel, in every sense of the term. Not only was the author just 26 years old when it was published, the main characters – except for Mrs Herriton – are also quite young. Lilia, the widow of Charles Herriton, aged thirty-three years, is ten years older than her friend Miss Caroline Abbott. Gino Carella, the man that Lilia marries in Italy is even younger. Philip Herriton initially appears to be a well-travelled English gentleman with strong opinions, and I had guessed that he would be in his late 30s – but half way through the book it turns out that he is just twenty-four!

    It is quite instructive to observe a new culture through the eyes of those who were brought up in a vastly different culture. When the book begins, Philip has a very high opinion of Italy: “And I do believe that Italy really purifies and ennobles all those who visit her. She is the school as well as the playground of the world…” Subsequently, though, when Philip visits Italy with his sister Harriet, he finds Italy to be “beastly.” Harriet, on the other hand, is consistently xenophobic. “Foreigners are a filthy nation,” she declares in a moment of stress – and a little later, “I condemn the whole lot.”

    One wonders how far the author shares the views of the English characters regarding Italy. On the very first page, I suspect it is the author speaking through the character, when Philip says, “And don’t… go with that awful tourist idea that Italy’s only a museum of antiquities and art. Love and understand the Italians, for the people are more marvellous than the land.” By the middle of the book, however, the author tells us “Italy, the land of beauty, was ruined for him. She had no power to change men and things who dwelt in her. She too, could produce avarice, brutality, stupidity – and what was worse, vulgarity. It was on her soil and through her influence that a silly woman had married a cad...”

    The author’s own views on Italy are also revealed by his sarcastic description of the fictional Santa Deodata (literally, “one dedicated to the Gods”): “So holy was she that all her life she lay upon her back in the house of her mother, refusing to eat, refusing to play, refusing to work…She was only fifteen when she died, which shows how much is within reach of any schoolgirl.”
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  • Marlene
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spannende Lektüre
    Reviewed in Germany on 11 December 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Dies ist der erste Roman von E.M. Forster welcher 1905 erschienen ist. Ich kann dieses Buch nur weiter empfehlen. Es liest sich auch im englischen sehr gut und man mag es kaum aus der Hand legen.
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  • pamela jones
    4.0 out of 5 stars Un classico di Forster
    Reviewed in Italy on 22 March 2014
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    Il primo romazo di Forster. Forse un pò ingenuo ma bello come tutti i suoi libri. Per un pubblico di una certa età.
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  • Elaine Waddington
    2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on 22 December 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Very disappointing
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  • Priya Banerjee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in India on 17 October 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The story flows like a stream of water and reaches it end. Ofcourse the novel has comic undertones with obviously a comic start but the meets a tragic at last. I found the book filled with dark humour which ofcourse talked a lot about society and it's beliefs at length and how people like Mrs. herriton takes pleasure in reforming others her. Forster very beautifully portrayed the hypocritical beliefs of society which the reader may find amusing like I did. I hope others to enjoy this novel. It's a work of art that won't disappoint any reader.
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    Priya Banerjee
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Brilliant

    Reviewed in India on 17 October 2019
    The story flows like a stream of water and reaches it end. Ofcourse the novel has comic undertones with obviously a comic start but the meets a tragic at last. I found the book filled with dark humour which ofcourse talked a lot about society and it's beliefs at length and how people like Mrs. herriton takes pleasure in reforming others her. Forster very beautifully portrayed the hypocritical beliefs of society which the reader may find amusing like I did. I hope others to enjoy this novel. It's a work of art that won't disappoint any reader.
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