Where Angels Fear to Tread: 10/10/08

Where Angels Fear to Tread by E. M. Forster recounts the tragic results of rash decisions. A widow goes on holiday to Italy and ends up marrying a much younger man of no means. When she dies in child birth, her in laws rush to Italy to claim the child, not out of a sense of love or duty, but to avoid the waggling tongues.

My first thought was to wonder if Marlena De Blasi had read the book before marrying her Italian husband. Of course, A Thousand Days in Venice is a memoir and not tied to dramatic conventions. Rather than rushing in like the fools of Forster's novel, Marlena brought her fiance home first for approval from her children before returning to Italy to wed. And yet I kept picturing Gino as Marlena's "Peter Sellers."

As the novel's mood darkens, I was torn between setting it aside and continuing on with my breath held. I pressed on growing more and more horrified at all the adults in the novel. I'm glad I read it (at my brother-in-law's recommendation) and I know it will be one of those novels that will stick with me. Nonetheless, it's not one I'll want to revisit soon; it's too emotionally draining.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Saturday, October, 11, 2008 at 23:33:25

Joana

That sounds pretty interesting and scary all at once. Scary in the sense that some of the most horrific things that happen are the follies of mankind and not myth and legend.

Will definately have to add to my wishlist at PBS and Amazon. ^_^

Comment #2: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 21:01:52

Pussreboots

I'm glad you enjoyed the review enough to add it to your wishlist. I had trouble reviewing it without making it too filled with spoilers. The book is a classic, so your local library might have a copy of it. Happy reading.