Maurice | E.M. Forster Week

In which I talk about Maurice. . .
Maurice (1913-14/1971): / 3103.maurice
LGBTQ+ Themes in Victorian Literature video: • LGBTQ+ themes in Victo...
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[@johncrwarner]

As a gay man growing up and coming out in the seventies and eighties in Britain This was one of the few literary classics I knew about. It was brilliant and positive which seemed remarkable for something written in the pre-WW1 era. The Merchant-Ivory film is also stunning.

[@johncrwarner]

BTW I predicted that Maurice would be your favourite at the start because I remember your review of the novel when you read it.

[@katiejlumsden]

Sounds like I really need to see the film! Such a great book.

[@michiamamomimi]

@@katiejlumsden yes the movie is awesome

[@jaljes91]

I loved this book. For me it’s the fact that it shows the possibility of happiness for the Oscar Wilde kind. Had it shown an unhappy gay man, it wouldn’t have been so difficult to publish.

[@kitheskethharvey3576]

Thank you so much Katie for this enthustiastic championing of the novel for whose 1987 film adaptation I was the screenwriter. You have identified something very interesting: that the book's emotional resonance is infinitely heightened by the awareness of the social context in which it was written: an institutionalised homophobia which meant that even Forster dared not publish it until after his death. Our movie arrived in the following decade. It was greeted with world-wide appreciation , save in the country of the novel's setting, of its authorship, and of the film's locations. England has always been disinclined to accept human nature. However, by the time of the film's re-release three decades on, it had of itself gained in hindsight an equivalent resonance. Jim and Ismail's defiant courage in 'publishing' it in the gathering storm of the AIDS crisis and the Section 28 legislation of the Thatcher government can be seen for the bravery it took. (Even Ruth held back. That was my good fortune, as were the excellent suggestions she nevertheless made on reading the script.) The novel's courage adds to the emotional punch it packs. I would humbly suggest that Jim and Ismail's courage exceeded even that of Forster.

[@jameshose5043]

oh my the person who wrote this wonderful comment and is the screenwriter for the film adaptation of maurice died just this month feb 2023 not three weeks ago, aged 65 i went on wikipedia to read about him and found out he wrote a great movie with director james ivory and it’s sad to know he’s gone ivory is still alive at 94 while ismail merchant died in 2005, aged 68

[@gdeshpandey88]

I just finished this incredible book tonight and found your review (because I always see the reviews after I finish reading). Being 35 and gay and living all by myself sometimes made me go down some dark holes. But Maurice, however flawed he may be, brought me back to optimism. Thank you for your review 😊

[@eamongilligan3262]

That's so wonderful: the fact that the novel brought back your optimism! it was really lovely to read that. I know what you mean; going by the date of your comment, we both must've read Maurice at the same time, and I found it (and the film which I recently watched too) not only spoke to me but opened something positive up in me too. I've had my Clive when I was younger; now I hope to find my Alec in the future.

[@milom5030]

Thank you so much for this Forster week and your incredible talk about Maurice! It is one of my favourite novels ever, it's very dear to me. The dedication in this book breaks my heart every time I read it - I so so wish that Forster were alive to see the influence Maurice has on people and how much our society improved in terms of accepting lgbtq individuals

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the author week. It's such a wonderful, beautiful novel.

[@andyacker4434]

Thank you so much for that heartfelt review. It is such a beautiful book. I was distraught when I finished it. The book itself, the context and E M Forster the man. I am going to read it again. Kleenex at the ready...Thank you.

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks very much! Such a wonderful novel, and so, so emotional.

[@tumblyhomecarolinep7121]

I will pick this up today! Thank you for the encouragement and thank you for a brilliant Forster week. I really enjoyed that!

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks very much - hope you enjoy the book!

[@azriel3683]

i just love how we share the energy of how emotional i've been with this book 😭 this novel understood my soul precisely as it is; it's made me so emotional and euphoric all at once 😭😭 definitely an underrated novel this is literally the paragon of gay literature 😭😭😭

[@literallyricky]

Maurice is one of my all-time favorites for every reason you so beautifully spoke about here. Love that you love it.

[@katiejlumsden]

Thank you! It's such a wonderful novel.

[@omfug7148]

And just to let people know, Forster was always comfortable with who he was and surrounded himself with supportive friends, He had loving relationships including, in the end, with a married man, his wife (who claims that she didn't know about the romantic entanglement or that her husband was bisexual, none the less, she also had a good relationship with EM), and their son who died young alas but who functioned as Forster's grandson essentially. The good news is that Forster did live long enough to see the changing attitudes toward homosexuality, I am sure that he would be gratified at how his novels are considered classics 50 years after his passing.

[@FirstmaninRome]

Yeah, read this one in highschool after seeing the movie which is good, only em forester book

[@n_2289]

i couldn’t find that book anywhere anymore

[@BookishTexan]

This is on my TBR for June. Looking forward to it even more now.

[@katiejlumsden]

I hope you like it, I think you will!

[@Maren617]

I've read it, and it's always been one of my favorites (the movie adaptation, as well)! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. It's really so sad that he didn't feel he could publish it during his lifetime, and I'm so grateful times have changed now, at least in most parts of the world. Surely that change was partially thanks to him, helping people empathize.

[@katiejlumsden]

I must see the film! It's such a wonderful novel.

[@C66700]

This is such a perfect review and is exactly how I felt reading it! I haven't read anything else by him but will take some inspiration from your series :)

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks so much for your comment! I hope you enjoy more E.M. Forster in the future.

[@taaptee]

lovely book, and i love hugh grant in the adaptation so much

[@katiejlumsden]

It is a wonderful book. I must see the film too!

[@traceymills1628]

Soneone very close to me came out as gay recently and I have found it very hard to read or pick gay literature since as so much is so heavy and heartbreaking and I can’t relate that way of thinking or any cruelty to someone I love as it just breaks me. I have just ordered this book as I think it and your emotion towards it maybe just what I need. Thank you Katie.

[@katiejlumsden]

Maurice has some sad moments but it's ultimately a very hopeful book - I highly recommend it.

[@8swerve]

I love your reviews. Your insight. Your energetic presence on screen. I can add to your 'lovely list'... You are a good chick. Thanks again x ps going to read it!

[@michaelmcgee335]

Haven’t.tuned into you for while, been thinking I ought to read some Forster, definitely going to now, might start with A Room with a View as I read about a third of the through it a while back. Great to hear your take.

[@machupiku]

Love the book and the film , but always pronounced it Morris

[@oliviagiles]

I love that book, it is my favourite Forster, and I fell in love with Maurice

[@missmuffet3874]

I am a heterosexual female in my fifties. I have recently read this book and thought it was absolutely superb and so moving. I thoroughly recommend it.

[@RisingPhoenix2023]

Love your enthusiasm.. I hope my gf talks about me the way you talk about Maurice (the book) 😂❤️

[@antant4055]

I'm just about to start it! Thank you for your uplifting and fabulous review

[@localabsurdist6661]

I’m so excited to read it now! Your video is brilliant!

[@MargaretPinard]

Yes! That does sound so powerful 💗👏🏼

[@nurulnatasyaajais2709]

-Katie recommended Gaskell's North And South; read it & fell in love with the writing & bought it. - Next, Katie recommended Setterfield's Once Upon A River; bought it, read it & fell in love with the writing. -Katie recommended Forster's Maurice; read it, again fell in love with the writing & definitely will buy it. Dear Katie🥰, I need to stop watching your videos😅.

[@katiejlumsden]

My apologies :P

[@leas4699]

Thank you SO much for this week. I appreciate your knowledge and opinion. I look forward to reading this author.

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks so much! He's an amazing author, I hope you enjoy his work.

[@dempseykful]

I read this a year or two ago. I recommend the Merchant Ivory movie adaptation of the book.with James Wilby and Hugh Grant. I really enjoyed it.

[@katiejlumsden]

I must watch the film.

[@CN-xp7qk]

Hi! I must first say that your video touched me very deeply and I shed tears with you 💜 The way he defined himself in front of the doctor just broke my heart. I've never read Forster, but I've seen all your videos this week and he's certainly an author I'm adding to my wishlist, especially with Maurice and Howard's End. Unfortunately, I haven't found them in Spanish (which is my mother tongue). Do you think they are written in an accesible English? Or it's rather complex language? Big and heartfelt hug 💜 ~ Carolina

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks very much for your kind comment! So, I'd say his English is pretty accessible - maybe start with Maurice or Where Angels Fear to Tread which are a bit shorter and see how you go?

[@MargaretPinard]

Aww, Katie! Thanks for sharing something so close and precious. 💖🤗

[@katiejlumsden]

It's such a wonderful novel.

[@Annafan-zg4zy]

I have been wanting to read Maurice after really enjoying three other Forster novels and reading a good amount about his involvement in the Bloomsbury Group. This review clinched it. I will be reading Maurice Very Soon.

[@katiejlumsden]

It's such a great novel - hope you enjoy it too!

[@jonesdou36]

Thank you for E.M. Forester week! Secondly Maurice was my first Forester novel and I read it because I loved the film version. As a closeted gay man in my youth, this novel was one of the things that helped me to come out. I have always felt this novel is actually Forester’s masterpiece and Howard’s End would be 2nd place, but that is me! One last thing, the gardener, who Maurice meets has the best name in all literature--Scudder!

[@katiejlumsden]

It's such a wonderful novel. Maurice is definitely my favourite, though I adore Howard's End too.

[@betinaceciliafeld9854]

Just watching your face while you talk about this book made me feel I must read it. It's already in my wish list and I hope I can buy it very soon (along with other books by E. M. Forster you reviewed that sound amazing too).

[@katiejlumsden]

It's such a wonderful book.

[@yvonneplant3062]

Loved this book, very very well done. I haven’t read it before because having heard that it was not published in the authors life time, I assumed that he wasn’t happy with it or it wasn’t very good. Glad I finally did, a beautiful book.

[@katiejlumsden]

Not at all - it's wonderful, so glad you liked it.

[@yuliakiseleva1900]

Just finished reading this book. Really enjoyed it. Kept going back to the film that I'd watched earlier (which prompted me to read the book). Got really emotional, too, in different places :) Enjoyed re-reading some passages as I tried to understand the different themes and emotions that the book conveys. The character of Maurice is so touching and you relate to him and root for him and his quest for happiness.

[@katiejlumsden]

Agreed! I must watch the film sometimes.

[@jeanetter.2420]

I have been meaning to read this book since I saw the Merchant Ivory film about four years ago. You have inspired me to get to it sooner rather than later. I pronounce Maurice the same way you do, but in the film they pronounce it like "Morris", which I thought was odd. Excellent film.

[@katiejlumsden]

I wonder if I'm saying it wrong! I must see the film sometime.

[@launchedathousand]

This sounds absolutely heartbreaking but in the best way. Thank you for this week and giving me a good place to start with E.M. Forsters' work! Looking forward to reading all his works in the future.

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks very much :)

[@LaurieInTexas]

I have meant to read this for a few years and plan to read it during Pride month this year. Your review makes me more excited to read it now.

[@katiejlumsden]

I highly recommend it, it's wonderful!

[@juliequick5526]

Rambling goodness lovely Katie 🤓

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks :)

[@melissahouse1296]

Wonderful review. I look forward to this one towards the end of the year.. : )

[@katiejlumsden]

Thank you!

[@jamesduggan7200]

well, I'll put it on my tbr but who knows when I'll get to it - nice presentation - thx

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks, hope you enjoy it too!

[@peterpyrreb470]

Thanks for the great review. I have not read it, but it is now on my 'must' list to do so!

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks so much!

[@suzannahdarcy6903]

I'm so glad you liked this so much. I hope to read it later this year. I did love the movie too.

[@katiejlumsden]

It's a wonderful novel! I must watch the film.

[@chbronte582]

My favorite too with Howards End :)

[@katiejlumsden]

Both such wonderful books :)

[@tealightwhimsy]

Love this one! In fact, I’m overdue for a reread!

[@katiejlumsden]

It's just such a wonderful book.

[@katietatey]

I thought that Maurice was my choice for the next Forster book I will read (having only read Howard's End) and this just cemented it. :) Thank you for your heartfelt review.

[@katiejlumsden]

Yes, you must read it! It's wonderful.

[@katietatey]

@@katiejlumsden I finally got some Assam tea! I'm enjoying it very much. I will have to revisit your tea video for more ideas. :)

[@bettyluna03]

Great review, I'm gonna have to read it now

[@katiejlumsden]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@a.e.barron2549]

While I haven't read this yet I have watched the Merchant Ivory film, which I love love love! Definitely hoping to read it sometime soon though.

[@katiejlumsden]

I must watch the film too, I haven't actually seen it!

[@a.e.barron2549]

@@katiejlumsden the dialogue is a little quiet, so I recommend subtitles!

[@mohamedeid6775]

good job than you so much

[@katiejlumsden]

Thanks!

[@ivailopetrov2827]

I should read it, also Brideshead Revisited..

[@katiejlumsden]

Hope you like it! I've also read Brideshead Revisited, though it doesn't hold a candle to E.M. Forster for me!

[@ivailopetrov2827]

@@katiejlumsden I liked the TV show

[@omfug7148]

pronounced Morris BTW.

[@katiejlumsden]

Oh really? I have always heard it said as Maurice, I never realised.

[@omfug7148]

@@katiejlumsden You are really young and I am old there used to be a British personality in the 60's and 70's named Maurice Woodruff who I guess was an astrologer, the first I heard of the British pronunciation of Maurice was listening to something about him (I am an American but a product of British grandparents), but more to the point notice the pronunciation here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4jNhpaIitlrg5I&ab_channel=E.M.ForsterBrasil

[@gabrielcardoso8512]

Hmm :o

[@meto2854]

I was surprised that EM Forster (as a gay man himself) did not pour everything he had into this novel. It’s a very rough draft of a novel, there are the signs of a good book there, but no matter how close to home it hits for some (including me), one cannot deny it’s one of his weak works. The movie adaptation is very well crafted though!