E M Forster Archives - The Quick and the Read

Book Review: ‘The New Life’ by Tom Crewe

This book has been garnering fabulous advance reviews so I wanted to read it to see what the fuss was about! Thanks to NetGalley for granting me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.,

The novel focuses on two unconventional marriages in late-Victorian England. The first couple, John and Catherine Addington, have older children who have flown the nest, something that gives John more freedom with which to pursue a relationship with Frank, a working-class painter. The second marriage, between Henry and Edith Ellis, is dealing with Edith’s love for the jealous and strong-willed Angelica. Both John and Henry think a ‘New Life’ is possible, with people able to lead their authentic lives – and it is this that brings them to co-author a controversial new science book on homosexuality. When Oscar Wilde’s trial takes centre stage in society, both men are forced to consider the costs and repercussions of living this ‘New Life’.

January Wrap-Up and February TBR

January was both approximately four years long and very busy at work.

Despite the endlessness of the month, I only managed to read 13 books – a totally respectable number, but I wonder what on earth I did with the rest of the eternal days and weeks!

This puts me on 13/120 for my Goodreads Challenge for 2022.

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5 Classic Novels That I Love

During my time as an English Literature student (and then as an English teacher), I had to read a lot of classic novels. Some I liked, some I really didn’t (I’m looking at you, ‘Moby Dick’).

While I’m forever grateful that I did read these books that are considered to be the cream of Western Literature*, there are very few that really struck a chord and stuck with me. Here are just five that I’ve read and re-read – these are so good that I’ve come back to them repeatedly. Every reading is a revelation – I’m always astounded by how they change in my memory and understanding each time.

* Yes, I know there is a world out there beyond the Western canon but my course was pretty traditional and didn't really allow for this in a major way.  And I also know that women's writing tends to be sadly under-represented in the world of classics.  Never fear - I made up some of the gaps in my reading after university!

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