A Passage to India

A Passage to India
by E.M. Forster
read: circa 2010
Time 100 Novels, Modern Library #25, Guardian 1000 Novels, James Tait Black Memorial Prize

I've been in India this week (hence the sporadic posting)!  It feels appropriate to review E.M. Forster's A Passage to India, his thoughtful criticism of the Imperial British presence in India in the early part of the 20th century.  I say "thoughtful" because Forster sets up a tale without real good guys and bad guys; the major characters come to realize that the bad intentions they ascribe to each other are sociologically ingrained; they are rooted in a fundamental distrust between Indians and British imperialists.  The story walks a fine line, suggesting that on an individual level, Indians (such as Dr. Aziz) and British (such as Mrs. Moore and Mr. Fielding) can relate as equals, and show mutual affection and respect, but the shroud of imperialism that hangs over everything will poison any efforts to really become friends.