"Where Angels Fear to Tread" by E.M. Forster

Anais' Annotations

Real talk: getting along with your in-laws can be really hard. You may love them, but sometimes, you just wish they would do literally anything else than what they are doing. It is in-law relationships that spark the events of E. M. Forster’s “Where Angels Fear to Tread” (1905). This novel is a whiplash of drama, tragedy and romance, so buckle up. 

I have heard some mixed opinions on this work, but for myself, I quite like it, and one reason for my approval is the characters, though maybe not for the reasons you would expect. The thing I like most about this work is that the characters are, overall, terrible people. Truly, there is not a single one of them I would want to befriend or even call an associate. They are just downright awful. So why would I like them? 

Well, I do not like the characters themselves, but rather, I appreciate how they are written. We often expect dynamic characters in fiction – ones who have good traits and bad ones – and, to speak freely, most readers also enjoy somewhat clear lines between who they are supposed to like and not like. All of Forster’s characters are worth hating, or at least disliking, which I think might be closer to reality.  

Everyone knows someone who simply does not have any redeeming qualities, so it cannot be said they are written unrealistically. This one will be a controversial take, but I do not mind seeing a rebel without a cause in my literature now and again. 

The characters are essential to the plot because it is a very character-driven story. Widow Lilia goes to visit Europe, where she falls in love with a new husband. Unsurprisingly, this is a massive problem for her in-laws, the family of her deceased first husband. This is where things really get complicated, and the bulk of the plot starts driving forward. 

Without spoiling it, just know this book is one with convoluted plans, somewhat evil scheming and serious moral dilemmas. I particularly like the element of moral questions because it gives readers something to ponder as they work through the text. One of the questions raised is whether a child should be well-loved or well-raised, assuming that because of the situation, they cannot have both. Elements like deep questions are so engaging for readers. 

While it is not a particularly scholarly note, I also want to highlight that this is a very short text. The audiobook version is only about four hours long, so if you have some reading goals to meet before the end of the year, I highly recommend adding it to the list. 

Fair warning, though: there are some shocking deaths within this text. One of these is the loss of a child, so make sure you are informed before exposing yourself to any potentially triggering content. 

“Where Angels Fear to Tread” is a fine example of English literature. It may not be the typical good guys and bad guys story, mostly because everyone is kind of terrible, but it poses many questions about the world around us. I think readers can benefit from literature like this because those questions truly engage with critical thinking. Overall, I would give this book a 9 out of 10. 

Rating: 9/10