Publisher's Synopsis
Forster's gentle, wry wit can be seen developing in this novel, where we follow the tumultuous effects of Lilia Herriton's "unspeakable" marriage to the young Italian, Gino. To save themselves from certain disgrace from the priggish society of English suburbia, the Herriton family's main concern is to put a quick stop to any unsavory rumors. To this end, Mrs Herriton, the force behind the family, dispatches her son on an assignment to save the family name. This however is a vain act; as events soon take an unexpected and tragic turn. The death of Lilia during childbirth is bittersweet news for the pompous Herritons who are now forced by their own convictions to plan further missions to Monteriano, to secure, by bribing the young Gino, the fate of the child. Although primarily involved with the English and their narrow-minded and reactionary concerns, Forster weaves an underlying love interest throughout the latter part of the novel. He develops each character carefully and we are often surprised by a view or action expressed by the conceited Herriton children, Philip and Harriet, and by the demure Caroline Abbott (Lilia's old friend and travelling companion). It is the combination of these three, the English task force abroad, and their own, individual ideals, that causes the novel to evolve into a remarkable battle of wills; and to an unforgettable and poignant ending. The structure and rhythm of Forster's first novel is both graceful and sensitive. The comedy is perfectly placed and his powers of observation already display his characteristic adroitness for seeing far beyond the predictable. It is a wonderful novel.
