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The Forsyte Chronicles #6
Swan Song
After years living in America with his mother, Jon Forsyte is excited to be home and eager to show off his roots to his new bride. When Fleur Forsyte, now Fleur Mont—Jon’s first love—hears of his arrival, she doesn't know what to feel. She is now married too, and while Jon and Fleur try to interact as friends, their strong feelings for one another are not easily contained. When their passion is rekindled, no one can halt the devastating events that follow.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1928
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623 people want to read
About the author
John Galsworthy
2,420 books474 followersLiterary career of English novelist and playwright John Galsworthy, who used John Sinjohn as a pseudonym, spanned the Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian eras.
In addition to his prolific literary status, Galsworthy was also a renowned social activist. He was an outspoken advocate for the women's suffrage movement, prison reform and animal rights. Galsworthy was the president of PEN, an organization that sought to promote international cooperation through literature.
John Galsworthy was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1932 "for his distinguished art of narration which takes its highest form in The Forsyte Saga."
In addition to his prolific literary status, Galsworthy was also a renowned social activist. He was an outspoken advocate for the women's suffrage movement, prison reform and animal rights. Galsworthy was the president of PEN, an organization that sought to promote international cooperation through literature.
John Galsworthy was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1932 "for his distinguished art of narration which takes its highest form in The Forsyte Saga."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 7, 2019
Perfecto cierre para la saga de los Forsyte.
Es cierto que la serie de libros de Galsworthy continúa con 3 libros más pero este libro es el final que todos esperábamos y ya no volverán los protagonistas de las últimas 6 novelas.
He llorado.
Mucho.
Me va a costar despedirme de los personajes, por mucho que en ocasiones resulten caprichosos y egoístas como Fleur, pero TAN humanos...
A Soames no lo voy a olvidar por mucho tiempo que pasa, se ha convertido en uno de mis personajes favoritos de la vida, es increíble el cariño que he terminado cogiéndole con lo mucho que lo desprecié en la primera trilogía...
Desde luego esta segunda trilogía es bastante inferior a la primera, mucho más ligera pero plenamente disfrutable, y muy necesaria si os gustó la primera y no os queréis despedir de nuestros queridos Forsyte.
Es cierto que la serie de libros de Galsworthy continúa con 3 libros más pero este libro es el final que todos esperábamos y ya no volverán los protagonistas de las últimas 6 novelas.
He llorado.
Mucho.
Me va a costar despedirme de los personajes, por mucho que en ocasiones resulten caprichosos y egoístas como Fleur, pero TAN humanos...
A Soames no lo voy a olvidar por mucho tiempo que pasa, se ha convertido en uno de mis personajes favoritos de la vida, es increíble el cariño que he terminado cogiéndole con lo mucho que lo desprecié en la primera trilogía...
Desde luego esta segunda trilogía es bastante inferior a la primera, mucho más ligera pero plenamente disfrutable, y muy necesaria si os gustó la primera y no os queréis despedir de nuestros queridos Forsyte.
June 1, 2025
Questo romanzo è quello conclusivo della seconda trilogia della lunga saga dei Forsyth, opera che ha occupato gran parte dell’attività dello scrittore John Gaslworthy, premio Nobel per la Letteratura nel 1932 e a mio modesto parere forse il più bello di quelli da me letti: in questo romanzo si racconta del ritorno del giovane Jon Forsyth in compagnia della giovane moglie americana Anne con l’intento condiviso di stabilirsi permanentemente in Inghilterra: questo evento causa il riaccendersi nell’animo di Fleur di quella passione d’amore che l’aveva vista legata in passato al giovane cugino, disposta a qualsiasi pazzia pur di non perderlo una seconda colta, convinta di essere ancora ricambiata nei sentimenti.
Romanzo di impeccabile bellezza questa ennesima opera di Galsworthy è dedicata a questa appassionante vicenda ma il vero protagonista del romanzo rimane, a mio avviso, l’imperturbabile Soames Forsyth, il decano della famiglia che, a settant’anni, legatissimo alla figlia Fleur, si adopera, in maniera discreta ma con impagabile attenzione e dedizione, a che ella non compia atti che possano mettere a repentaglio il suo matrimonio e la sua immagine pubblica: teme per l’impulsività della giovane donna a lui tanto cara e con il tatto e la riservatezza che lo contraddistinguono, proverà in tutto l’arco del romanzo a ritagliarsi il difficile ruolo di angelo custode dell’amata figlia; ma i giovani si sa sono impetuosi e spesso impulsivi e il compito dell’anziano Forsyth risulterà difficile e impegnativo oltre ogni previsione.
Romanzo di impeccabile bellezza questa ennesima opera di Galsworthy è dedicata a questa appassionante vicenda ma il vero protagonista del romanzo rimane, a mio avviso, l’imperturbabile Soames Forsyth, il decano della famiglia che, a settant’anni, legatissimo alla figlia Fleur, si adopera, in maniera discreta ma con impagabile attenzione e dedizione, a che ella non compia atti che possano mettere a repentaglio il suo matrimonio e la sua immagine pubblica: teme per l’impulsività della giovane donna a lui tanto cara e con il tatto e la riservatezza che lo contraddistinguono, proverà in tutto l’arco del romanzo a ritagliarsi il difficile ruolo di angelo custode dell’amata figlia; ma i giovani si sa sono impetuosi e spesso impulsivi e il compito dell’anziano Forsyth risulterà difficile e impegnativo oltre ogni previsione.
March 11, 2008
After a disappointing fourth and fifth volume, Galsworthy returns to the high standard of the first trilogy, in this, the sixth book of The Forsyte Saga .
It's 1926, and London is in the grip of the General Strike. Jon has sold the farm in North Carolina, to return to England with his lovely bride, Anne, and his mother. (However, Irene never appears throughout the book; Galsworthy uses the excuse of the strike to sequester her offstage in Paris throughout.)
Predictably, this does not bring out the best in Fleur, whose spoiled only-child status and doting father have managed to confer on her many of the less appealing attributes of Paris Hilton and Britney. By page 50, she's in full stalker mode. This continues, bringing much worriment to all three men in her life (husband Michael, her stalking target Jon, and her dear Papa Soames).
When Jon's wife becomes pregnant, he cuts off all further contact, forcing her to recognize the futility of her stalkerish behavior. So she falls back on the only other behavior pattern she knows, and goes into a major sulk.
Poor Soames! She's such a brat, but she is his only daughter. But really, the way she behaves - it'll be the death of him. And, in fact, it is. Allowing Galsworthy to round out the series with the death of Soames, in an unexpectedly moving, but emotionally satisfying, conclusion. Because, although Fleur is such a bitch that the reader really doesn't give a toss about the outcome of her efforts at adultery, by the end of this sixth book Galsworthy manages to make us care deeply about Soames. You will despise him in book 1, but you will have forgiven him by the end of book 6.
I kind of miss him already.
It's 1926, and London is in the grip of the General Strike. Jon has sold the farm in North Carolina, to return to England with his lovely bride, Anne, and his mother. (However, Irene never appears throughout the book; Galsworthy uses the excuse of the strike to sequester her offstage in Paris throughout.)
Predictably, this does not bring out the best in Fleur, whose spoiled only-child status and doting father have managed to confer on her many of the less appealing attributes of Paris Hilton and Britney. By page 50, she's in full stalker mode. This continues, bringing much worriment to all three men in her life (husband Michael, her stalking target Jon, and her dear Papa Soames).
When Jon's wife becomes pregnant, he cuts off all further contact, forcing her to recognize the futility of her stalkerish behavior. So she falls back on the only other behavior pattern she knows, and goes into a major sulk.
Poor Soames! She's such a brat, but she is his only daughter. But really, the way she behaves - it'll be the death of him. And, in fact, it is. Allowing Galsworthy to round out the series with the death of Soames, in an unexpectedly moving, but emotionally satisfying, conclusion. Because, although Fleur is such a bitch that the reader really doesn't give a toss about the outcome of her efforts at adultery, by the end of this sixth book Galsworthy manages to make us care deeply about Soames. You will despise him in book 1, but you will have forgiven him by the end of book 6.
I kind of miss him already.
March 13, 2016
Farewell dear Soames !!!:( . Discreto , recto , ecuánime , leal , reservado, pero a la vez tierno y sensible a su manera . Tú siempre serás un hombre D a pesar de tus duros principios
September 1, 2025
Swan Song concludes the second of the Forsyte Trilogies, and is the 6th overall volume. This trilogy is titled A Modern Comedy, presumably referring to an observation by Michael Mont in the last chapter.
This book, as with The White Monkey and The Silver Spoon centers on the thoughts and desires of Soames Forsyte, his daughter Fleur and her husband Michael Mont. This volume is a bit spicier than the first two volumes of this trilogy with the added ingredient of Fleur’s ‘true love’ Jon Forsyte,’ a love story depicted in the 3rd overall volume To Let. Jon, who had been living in America, returns to England to farm, presumably more as a gentleman farmer; it’s hard to visualize him in overalls.
The 1926 England he returns to finds Fleur running a canteen for strikebreakers during the General Strike in 1926. Jon and his wife Ann have come to England as Jon is working as a volunteer strikebreaker, while Irene stays in Paris due to the strike conditions. In a parallel social condition sub-plot, Fleur’s PM husband Michael has moved on from Foggartism to the more practical cause of slum reclamation.
The fireworks start when Fleur sees Jon eating at one of the canteen’s tables, realizes she still loves him and sets out to win him back. Much drama entails ultimately ending in an extremely well-written and satisfying conclusion. I did find myself tearing up at the end.
But the true pleasure of the book is not in the dramatic events themselves, but in Galsworthy’s ability to portray his character’s thoughts and emotions during these events. His depictions are some of the best I’ve ever read as the reader becomes extremely well acquainted with the Soames/Fleur/Michael trio, particularly with Soames.
This is a 4+ star read, but I am raising my rating to 5 stars due to its character insights, its power in evoking strong emotions in me, and its successful culmination of what has been an extremely satisfying 6 book journey with the Forsyte family, This whole series is especially strong in its portrait of Soames Forsyte, as Galsworthy takes the reader on a journey through varying reactions to his character starting from loathing and growing to a sympathy of sorts. A classic character arc; and this book is a fitting end to the story of this Man of Property.
This book, as with The White Monkey and The Silver Spoon centers on the thoughts and desires of Soames Forsyte, his daughter Fleur and her husband Michael Mont. This volume is a bit spicier than the first two volumes of this trilogy with the added ingredient of Fleur’s ‘true love’ Jon Forsyte,’ a love story depicted in the 3rd overall volume To Let. Jon, who had been living in America, returns to England to farm, presumably more as a gentleman farmer; it’s hard to visualize him in overalls.
The 1926 England he returns to finds Fleur running a canteen for strikebreakers during the General Strike in 1926. Jon and his wife Ann have come to England as Jon is working as a volunteer strikebreaker, while Irene stays in Paris due to the strike conditions. In a parallel social condition sub-plot, Fleur’s PM husband Michael has moved on from Foggartism to the more practical cause of slum reclamation.
The fireworks start when Fleur sees Jon eating at one of the canteen’s tables, realizes she still loves him and sets out to win him back. Much drama entails ultimately ending in an extremely well-written and satisfying conclusion. I did find myself tearing up at the end.
But the true pleasure of the book is not in the dramatic events themselves, but in Galsworthy’s ability to portray his character’s thoughts and emotions during these events. His depictions are some of the best I’ve ever read as the reader becomes extremely well acquainted with the Soames/Fleur/Michael trio, particularly with Soames.
This is a 4+ star read, but I am raising my rating to 5 stars due to its character insights, its power in evoking strong emotions in me, and its successful culmination of what has been an extremely satisfying 6 book journey with the Forsyte family, This whole series is especially strong in its portrait of Soames Forsyte, as Galsworthy takes the reader on a journey through varying reactions to his character starting from loathing and growing to a sympathy of sorts. A classic character arc; and this book is a fitting end to the story of this Man of Property.
October 11, 2025
Hur än mycket variant på Romeo & Julia, när det gäller Fleur och Jon, så är detta ändå Soames Forsytes bok. Första delen bullade upp en stor släkt, men i slutänden snurrar det mesta runt Soames, i synnerhet denna andra trilogin, The modern Comedy (del 4-6). Soames har vunnit livsvisdom genom trägen kamp genom livet, och framför allt genom att bli far, och skämma bort sin dotter. Passionen alltid väl undanstoppad, men en desto hetare glöd.
Fleurs historia är en variant på fadern i allt. Hon försöker att vinna sin passion och ändå dölja den för omvärlden, men det går inte. Lika lite som för fadern. Soames känner precis allt Fleur känner, de har samma gener, liksom Irene och Jon delade samma gener. Det är inte bara Soames Svanesång, utan i främsta rummet Kharma, från släktled till släktled, som får spela ut sin Svanespång, sin dödskamp.
Soames har verkligen växt från bok till bok, i Galsworthys gestaltning, den muttrande gamlingen, fördomsfullt envis, men ändå hjärtegod i det fördolda. Svårt att inte fästa sig vid honom. Väl värd nobelpriset, för detta levande porträtt.
Fleurs historia är en variant på fadern i allt. Hon försöker att vinna sin passion och ändå dölja den för omvärlden, men det går inte. Lika lite som för fadern. Soames känner precis allt Fleur känner, de har samma gener, liksom Irene och Jon delade samma gener. Det är inte bara Soames Svanesång, utan i främsta rummet Kharma, från släktled till släktled, som får spela ut sin Svanespång, sin dödskamp.
Soames har verkligen växt från bok till bok, i Galsworthys gestaltning, den muttrande gamlingen, fördomsfullt envis, men ändå hjärtegod i det fördolda. Svårt att inte fästa sig vid honom. Väl värd nobelpriset, för detta levande porträtt.
May 7, 2016
John Galsworthy vuelve a los orígenes.
Tanto por personajes que habían desaparecido y aparecen de nuevo, como por el mayor dramatismo en la historia con reminiscencias a las pasiones pasadas de "La saga de los Forsyte", como por la mayor abundancia de descripciones de paisajes bucólicos y/o campestres.
En ese sentido lo he disfrutado mucho, porque ha sido como volver a casa. Aunque existen aspectos que no me han convencido, como la trama política de Michael que no conduce a nada, y la aparición de cierto personaje nuevo que parecía que iba a tener más relevancia, pero al final se queda en agua de borrajas.
Seguimos encontrando la prosa detallada y aguda de Galsworthy y su manejo de los personajes. ¿Y quién me iba a decir a mí que Fleur sería tan digna hija de su padre, incapaz de perder o impedir ser arrastrada por una pasión que sabe perjudicial para ella y para quienes le rodean? Fleur, Fleur... que ya no eres una niña.
En conjunto, esta trilogía me ha gustado menos que "La saga de los Forsyte", tal vez por notarla más ligera o más perdida en lo que quiere contar, pero no por ello es mala. Ni mucho menos. Es muy buena literatura y sirve para salir de una temporada de lecturas más pesadas o tristes.
Tanto por personajes que habían desaparecido y aparecen de nuevo, como por el mayor dramatismo en la historia con reminiscencias a las pasiones pasadas de "La saga de los Forsyte", como por la mayor abundancia de descripciones de paisajes bucólicos y/o campestres.
En ese sentido lo he disfrutado mucho, porque ha sido como volver a casa. Aunque existen aspectos que no me han convencido, como la trama política de Michael que no conduce a nada, y la aparición de cierto personaje nuevo que parecía que iba a tener más relevancia, pero al final se queda en agua de borrajas.
Seguimos encontrando la prosa detallada y aguda de Galsworthy y su manejo de los personajes. ¿Y quién me iba a decir a mí que Fleur sería tan digna hija de su padre, incapaz de perder o impedir ser arrastrada por una pasión que sabe perjudicial para ella y para quienes le rodean? Fleur, Fleur... que ya no eres una niña.
En conjunto, esta trilogía me ha gustado menos que "La saga de los Forsyte", tal vez por notarla más ligera o más perdida en lo que quiere contar, pero no por ello es mala. Ni mucho menos. Es muy buena literatura y sirve para salir de una temporada de lecturas más pesadas o tristes.
May 8, 2022
Ho sempre avuto un debole per Soames, per le sue introspezioni che hanno sempre quel non so che di lirico, un personaggio per certi versi quasi sprezzante e insofferente che in pochi definirebbero amabile, ma che ha sempre suscitato in me una grande empatia. Solido, onesto, fatto di ombre e luci, un nostalgico vittoriano, un uomo che a dispetto della sua apparente inflessibilità nasconde tante fragilità e un intenso bisogno di essere amato...
October 11, 2018
El mejor de los libros que forman la segunda trilogía. ¡Qué pena despedirse de estos personajes!
July 1, 2015
Like the others in the Forsyte Chronicles, there were parts of this book that amused me, and parts that irritated me.
I hadn’t quite appreciated until this book just how selfish Fleur actually was - I knew she liked to collect things and wanted what she couldn’t have (I guess that’s a characteristic of most collectors or they wouldn’t keep collecting), but her selfishness stood out in this story. She irritated me quite a lot actually, and I hoped, hoped, hoped that what she wanted to happen wouldn’t.
Then there was Soames, watching his daughter, also hoping that what she wanted wouldn’t happen, but feeling powerless to do anything about it. As of course he was - perhaps especially so since he wouldn’t talk to Fleur about anything significant. His policy was to “wait and see”, Fleur’s husband, Michael’s, policy is to “wait and not see” - but just to wait for Fleur to sort herself out.
There was a twist toward the end that I didn’t see coming which certainly shook things up a little, and I’ll be interested to keep reading the next set of chronicles at some point.
I hadn’t quite appreciated until this book just how selfish Fleur actually was - I knew she liked to collect things and wanted what she couldn’t have (I guess that’s a characteristic of most collectors or they wouldn’t keep collecting), but her selfishness stood out in this story. She irritated me quite a lot actually, and I hoped, hoped, hoped that what she wanted to happen wouldn’t.
Then there was Soames, watching his daughter, also hoping that what she wanted wouldn’t happen, but feeling powerless to do anything about it. As of course he was - perhaps especially so since he wouldn’t talk to Fleur about anything significant. His policy was to “wait and see”, Fleur’s husband, Michael’s, policy is to “wait and not see” - but just to wait for Fleur to sort herself out.
There was a twist toward the end that I didn’t see coming which certainly shook things up a little, and I’ll be interested to keep reading the next set of chronicles at some point.
October 2, 2014
'Change,' thought Michael, 'there's nothing but change. It's the one constant. Well! Who wouldn't have a river rather than a pond!'
July 3, 2022
“Se le ha roto su muelle, y parece que no encuentra otro.”
June 30, 2015
This last part of Volume II of The Forsyte Saga focuses on Fleur's romantic entanglement with Jon, her cousin, and the repercussions it has for the family and for herself. I don't think that Fleur wants to seduce Jon, much like Marjorie Ferrar wanted to seduce Francis Wilmot, but instead seeks to remind him of their past romance and what could have been. This goes along with the continuing overarching theme of duty versus desire, as she wanted to marry Jon for love, but married titled Michael Mont instead in accordance with Soames' wishes. Unfortunately for her, Jon truly is committed to his young wife, Anne, a southern belle introduced in "A Silent Wooing," which I highly recommend readers read in order to understand the plot in this part of the story. Jon, too, longs for the past in returning to England, which he has romanticized while in the states. Unfortunately for him, England has much changed since he has left.
Soames' main responsibility, one he takes on himself, is to keep Fleur out of trouble, especially publicly, which frustrated me to no end. I understand that she is the one good that has come out of his life, and his marriage of convenience to Annette, but once a young woman is married and out of the house, one must allow her to make her own mistakes! At times I felt that Michael was too good for her, and gave her a life and child that many women would long for.
Also a major part of this volume was Michael's attempts in social reform. It seems as if he learns that Foggartism, which my reading twin helped me to understand is (author:John Galsworthy}'s own creation, will not help the down-trodden lower classes, especially sending young adolescents off to colonies, which have their own political, social, and economic problems. He finally finds a social reform worthy of his time through reforming and rebuilding the slums with his reverend uncle.
The end, which I'll not spoil anyone with, was a true shock to me, and I felt as if I had lost a friend. I am now wondering where Galsworthy will go with his next volume and his characters.
Soames' main responsibility, one he takes on himself, is to keep Fleur out of trouble, especially publicly, which frustrated me to no end. I understand that she is the one good that has come out of his life, and his marriage of convenience to Annette, but once a young woman is married and out of the house, one must allow her to make her own mistakes! At times I felt that Michael was too good for her, and gave her a life and child that many women would long for.
Also a major part of this volume was Michael's attempts in social reform. It seems as if he learns that Foggartism, which my reading twin helped me to understand is (author:John Galsworthy}'s own creation, will not help the down-trodden lower classes, especially sending young adolescents off to colonies, which have their own political, social, and economic problems. He finally finds a social reform worthy of his time through reforming and rebuilding the slums with his reverend uncle.
The end, which I'll not spoil anyone with, was a true shock to me, and I felt as if I had lost a friend. I am now wondering where Galsworthy will go with his next volume and his characters.
Read
June 21, 2017The sixth volume with Soames Forsyte as the protagonist, sometimes antagonist, but always introspective man of property in upper class London. But Soames is not always self-aware. Even so, by novel's end, sympathy for Soames is appropriate despite his flaws.
His daughter Fleur - the real enduring love of his middle to old age - is to and fro-ing over her first crush, her cousin Jon. Fleur is married to Michael Mont, but she definitely and defiantly "wants what she wants". She really is a selfish young lady, not so self-aware as scheming to get what she wants. Her tenacious selfishness ends in an appropriate but tragic end to the torch she has carried for so long. It is this emotional torch that precipitates an actual fire at her father's estate. (Cue the irony.)
My favourite part of this novel continues my interest in Galsworthy's wonderful social commentary of mid-20s England. There is also a real sense, as this is a saga, of how one's roots continue to inform one's outlook on life. I really enjoyed the depiction of Soames' sojourn to where his forbears toiled the land before the generations evolved (or perhaps devolved as Soames muses) to gentrified Londoners.
Wonderful novel, robust characters, terrific series of six novels.
His daughter Fleur - the real enduring love of his middle to old age - is to and fro-ing over her first crush, her cousin Jon. Fleur is married to Michael Mont, but she definitely and defiantly "wants what she wants". She really is a selfish young lady, not so self-aware as scheming to get what she wants. Her tenacious selfishness ends in an appropriate but tragic end to the torch she has carried for so long. It is this emotional torch that precipitates an actual fire at her father's estate. (Cue the irony.)
My favourite part of this novel continues my interest in Galsworthy's wonderful social commentary of mid-20s England. There is also a real sense, as this is a saga, of how one's roots continue to inform one's outlook on life. I really enjoyed the depiction of Soames' sojourn to where his forbears toiled the land before the generations evolved (or perhaps devolved as Soames muses) to gentrified Londoners.
Wonderful novel, robust characters, terrific series of six novels.
January 28, 2015
John Galsworthy is an excellent writer. His characters are human. There are no villains or heroes in his stories, only people you like and dislike as it is with the real characters we meet in everyday life. His stories are filled with interesting tidbits about England during his lifetime.
Despite how well written these books are, this is probably the last of this series I will read. I am a little tired of the drama and Fleur's sickening selfishness. She is definitely my least favorite character of this series. It took me a long time to get through this book, though it was not a difficult read, because I disliked so many of the characters save Michael Mont and Ann Forsyte. Mr. Galsworthy got me in the end though with how he wrapped up the story by drawing parallels between characters starting from the beginning of the series.
I have to say well done Mr. Galsworthy, but I think that's quite enough soap opera for me.
Despite how well written these books are, this is probably the last of this series I will read. I am a little tired of the drama and Fleur's sickening selfishness. She is definitely my least favorite character of this series. It took me a long time to get through this book, though it was not a difficult read, because I disliked so many of the characters save Michael Mont and Ann Forsyte. Mr. Galsworthy got me in the end though with how he wrapped up the story by drawing parallels between characters starting from the beginning of the series.
I have to say well done Mr. Galsworthy, but I think that's quite enough soap opera for me.
January 30, 2022
Although this is only the sixth in the nine novel series that comprise John Galsworthy's "Forsyte Saga", it is in effect, as the title "Swan Song" suggests, the final episode in the story of the Forsyte family. Set against a backdrop of the General Strike and the beginnings of a movement to improve the lot of slum-dwellers, this novel tells the tale of Fleur's rekindled passion for Jon, whom she meets again in the canteen she runs for upper class strike-breakers. In this final working-out of the feud between the two branches of the Forsytes, Galsworthy brings his story to a tragic and unexpected climax, that moved me (yet again after more than half a century) to tears. I shall miss these characters, who, through rereading the six novels and rewatching their classic portrayal in the BBC television serialisation, I have so enjoyed being part of my life once again.
July 23, 2013
After the somewhat desultory second book in this second trilogy, we're back to the true focus of the series with Jon's return to England. We knew it was coming from the last book of the first trilogy, and here it is, arriving like a train wreck. One thing I appreciate about Galsworthy is his ability to portray difficult situations from both "good" and "bad" characters' perspectives. We have Fleur struggling to be happy, Jon struggling with his conscience, and Michael just struggling to make something worthwhile out of his life. It's easy to sympathize with Fleur's situation, even though I find her a reprehensible person on the whole. The ending caught me off guard. Will be interested to see where Galsworthy takes this in the third and final trilogy.
April 6, 2021
The final volume in Galsworthy's Modern Comedy trilogy finds Fleur Mont running a canteen for strikebreakers during the General Strike in 1926. She looks up one day & sees her first love, Jon Forsythe, eating at one of the tables. Fleur knows she still loves him & at that moment sets out to win him back - married or not.
I have always wondered why Fleur was so single-mindedly after Jon, as he seems to be a rather weak human being who is ruled primarily by his overly possessive mother. But just like Scarlet O'Hara & the mealy mouthed Ashley Wilkes, Fleur cares for no one except Jon & pursues him with a vengeance.
She is finally foiled when Jon's wife announces that she's pregnant, leading Fleur to literally burn all her bridges after the fact.
I have always wondered why Fleur was so single-mindedly after Jon, as he seems to be a rather weak human being who is ruled primarily by his overly possessive mother. But just like Scarlet O'Hara & the mealy mouthed Ashley Wilkes, Fleur cares for no one except Jon & pursues him with a vengeance.
She is finally foiled when Jon's wife announces that she's pregnant, leading Fleur to literally burn all her bridges after the fact.
June 21, 2020
That atypical type of story when interest comes only after first book. I was reading The Man of Property few months and thought all the time why I still reading this - it’s boring af. But didn’t let myself to put it down. And on the second book everything changed. Now I’m sad it finished..
June 17, 2010
Such an exciting denouement! This is the third book in the second Forsyte trilogy. One trilogy to go.
June 8, 2017
The conniving wretch
handed everything, wants more
never pays the price.
handed everything, wants more
never pays the price.
November 16, 2022
Se trata del tercer volumen de la segunda trilogía de la Saga de los Forsyte. Si en la primera saga conocemos el origen de la familia y las relaciones entre sus miembros, esta segunda trilogía se centra en la vida de uno de los personajes secundarios de la primera trilogía.
Soames Forsyte encarna los viejos valores victorianos frente a un mundo en constante cambio, donde la tradición pierde peso frente a la modernidad y al cambio. Ya nadie se encarga de aumentar el capital de la familia, sólo de vivir del legado de los antepasados.
Con un ritmo pausado, delicado y lento, vamos profundizando en las relaciones familiares de los mismos personajes que ya nos encandilaron en los otros dos volúmenes de la trilogía: El mono blanco y La cuchara de plata. El éxito de esta saga quizás se deba a que los acontecimientos son aparentemente vulgares, sin grandes salidas de tono, pero que nos permiten conocer a los personajes y sus relaciones con mucha profundidad.
Desde luego, no os podéis perder estos libros si os gustan las historias familiares
Soames Forsyte encarna los viejos valores victorianos frente a un mundo en constante cambio, donde la tradición pierde peso frente a la modernidad y al cambio. Ya nadie se encarga de aumentar el capital de la familia, sólo de vivir del legado de los antepasados.
Con un ritmo pausado, delicado y lento, vamos profundizando en las relaciones familiares de los mismos personajes que ya nos encandilaron en los otros dos volúmenes de la trilogía: El mono blanco y La cuchara de plata. El éxito de esta saga quizás se deba a que los acontecimientos son aparentemente vulgares, sin grandes salidas de tono, pero que nos permiten conocer a los personajes y sus relaciones con mucha profundidad.
Desde luego, no os podéis perder estos libros si os gustan las historias familiares
August 31, 2017
Swan song concludes John Galsworthy's second trilogy of the Forsytes which he coined A Modern Comedy, not that these books are humorous, but rather that they provide us interpretations of life in general as a comedy of errors and unexpected events as we continue on the journey. Swan Song provides conclusions, (i.e. the title Swan Song), for some characters the reader has become acquainted with throughout the trilogy, and includes one main character (Soames) who also had a primary roll in Galsworthy's previous trilogy called the Forsyte Saga. Due to Galsworthy's amazing ability to express the thoughts and feelings of his characters, readers become intimately acquainted with them, particularly with Soames who will be greatly missed.
To put it simply, these books are classics, in that the story that Galsworthy spins captivates and the character's thoughts he describes through his stream of consciousness narrative draws the reader in. I should make it clear, however, that the stories are not thrillers, but they nevertheless fascinate in telling a story about everyday life and death. In addition, the writer achieves a striking atmosphere in various settings by intertwining the surroundings with a character's emotions, morality, and musings. It was beautifully done, and I know of few if any writers that have the ability to accomplish anything close to what he achieved in this novel, or any of his other novels, for that fact. These books could be read over and over and new perspectives would emerge each time they were read. As previously mentioned, this book is the sixth in the two trilogies, and one should not read it without reading the previous five. Highly recommended.
To put it simply, these books are classics, in that the story that Galsworthy spins captivates and the character's thoughts he describes through his stream of consciousness narrative draws the reader in. I should make it clear, however, that the stories are not thrillers, but they nevertheless fascinate in telling a story about everyday life and death. In addition, the writer achieves a striking atmosphere in various settings by intertwining the surroundings with a character's emotions, morality, and musings. It was beautifully done, and I know of few if any writers that have the ability to accomplish anything close to what he achieved in this novel, or any of his other novels, for that fact. These books could be read over and over and new perspectives would emerge each time they were read. As previously mentioned, this book is the sixth in the two trilogies, and one should not read it without reading the previous five. Highly recommended.
December 27, 2022
Нет, пережить эту книгу не стало легче за те 40 лет, что я ее читаю.
July 21, 2024
When you cry over a fictional character, and one such as Soames…
These books are perfect examples of outstanding character building, social commentary, and timeless tragicomedy with 20/20 insight into human nature, both common and rare. I found these books accidentally and have no idea why I hadn’t heard of them before. Greatly enjoyed.
These books are perfect examples of outstanding character building, social commentary, and timeless tragicomedy with 20/20 insight into human nature, both common and rare. I found these books accidentally and have no idea why I hadn’t heard of them before. Greatly enjoyed.
August 2, 2019
5 estrellas merecidísimas para el cierre de esta segunda trilogía de los Forsyte.
Qué bien escribe Galsworthy y cómo logra transmitir lo que le interesa en cada momento, y hacer que casi no se note.
He disfrutado muchísimo esta novela, me he indignado, me he conmovido y... sí. También he llorado.
Qué gran titiritero era Galsworthy: cómo ha conseguido que un personaje que en principio es detestable en la primera trilogía -Soames- (aunque debo decir que a mí me llegó a inspirar compasión y era de mis personajes favoritos), llegue a inspirar, ya en su vejez en la segunda trilogía, tanta ternura.
Cuánto lo echaré de menos.
Y odio, odio, odio a Fleur. Es que no puedo con ella... aunque con Galsworthy ya dudo de todo, y me pregunto si en la tercera trilogía (que según apuntan en la editorial “El Reino de Cordelia” tienen pensado publicar en noviembre del año que viene) logrará hacer que me caiga bien.
Sea como sea, es el fin definitivo de una era, con el último de los auténticos Forsyte (no creo desvelar nada, cuando el propio título del libro ya lo dice todo).
Por lo demás, este me ha parecido el mejor de los tra de esta segunda trilogía. Y, si bien es cierto que el balance final es que es ligeramente inferior y más ligera que la primera (que es ENORME, sencillamente perfecta), creo que es porque la comparamos con la propia obra de Galsworthy. Pero si no hiciéramos esa comparación, y valoráramos la trilogía “Una comedia moderna” por sí sola, o comparándola con la obra de cualquier otro escritor, no habría vacilación alguna a la hora de darle las 5 estrellas.
De verdad creo que las merece.
Galsworthy es lo más
Qué bien escribe Galsworthy y cómo logra transmitir lo que le interesa en cada momento, y hacer que casi no se note.
He disfrutado muchísimo esta novela, me he indignado, me he conmovido y... sí. También he llorado.
Qué gran titiritero era Galsworthy: cómo ha conseguido que un personaje que en principio es detestable en la primera trilogía -Soames- (aunque debo decir que a mí me llegó a inspirar compasión y era de mis personajes favoritos), llegue a inspirar, ya en su vejez en la segunda trilogía, tanta ternura.
Cuánto lo echaré de menos.
Y odio, odio, odio a Fleur. Es que no puedo con ella... aunque con Galsworthy ya dudo de todo, y me pregunto si en la tercera trilogía (que según apuntan en la editorial “El Reino de Cordelia” tienen pensado publicar en noviembre del año que viene) logrará hacer que me caiga bien.
Sea como sea, es el fin definitivo de una era, con el último de los auténticos Forsyte (no creo desvelar nada, cuando el propio título del libro ya lo dice todo).
Por lo demás, este me ha parecido el mejor de los tra de esta segunda trilogía. Y, si bien es cierto que el balance final es que es ligeramente inferior y más ligera que la primera (que es ENORME, sencillamente perfecta), creo que es porque la comparamos con la propia obra de Galsworthy. Pero si no hiciéramos esa comparación, y valoráramos la trilogía “Una comedia moderna” por sí sola, o comparándola con la obra de cualquier otro escritor, no habría vacilación alguna a la hora de darle las 5 estrellas.
De verdad creo que las merece.
Galsworthy es lo más
May 8, 2021
"Современная комедия" как три романа с двумя интерлюдиями понравилась меньше, чем "Сага о Форсайтах", но названия всех трех романов удивительно символичны, не могу не отметить это.
"Лебединая песня — фразеологизм, последнее достижение (работа, творение, произведение) человека, после которой он или умер или отошёл от дел."
Мысли Сомса незадолго до смерти:
"Не виновата она, что любила этого мальчика, не могла забыть его — не более виновата, чем был он сам, когда любил его мать. Не вина, а громадное несчастье! Словно сжатыми накрашенными губами бледной женщины, сидящей позади него на подушках машины, пела свою предсмертную лебединую песню страсть, рожденная сорок шесть лет назад от роковой встречи в борнмутской гостиной и перешедшая к дочери с его кровью."
"Лебединая песня — фразеологизм, последнее достижение (работа, творение, произведение) человека, после которой он или умер или отошёл от дел."
Мысли Сомса незадолго до смерти:
"Не виновата она, что любила этого мальчика, не могла забыть его — не более виновата, чем был он сам, когда любил его мать. Не вина, а громадное несчастье! Словно сжатыми накрашенными губами бледной женщины, сидящей позади него на подушках машины, пела свою предсмертную лебединую песню страсть, рожденная сорок шесть лет назад от роковой встречи в борнмутской гостиной и перешедшая к дочери с его кровью."
January 20, 2025
The Forsythe Saga comes to a temporary conclusion with this book whose title has several different meanings beyond the obvious. Fleur seemed to be rehabilitating into a quite decent person, but temptation is in her way and she does the wrong thing for everyone, including herself. Where does she go from here and what will happen to Soames paintings? If that seems an odd second question, the paintings are deeply symbolic of both Soames and Fleur. The ending is sad, but cathartic. If there is redemption for Soames, there may be for Fleur. A lovely book is most ways.
November 17, 2017
As Galsworthy writes about Fleur in this novel, "A desire to have what she hadn't yet got was her leading characteristic." Well she gets what she hadn't yet got, and it doesn't make her happy. And causes a dreadful accident. So without spoilers, how is one supposed to think about Fleur, who is certainly one of the most problematic main characters I've encountered for a long time. Can I feel sorry for such an unpleasant person. Strangely I can, and I think that's where Galsworthy's talent lies.
October 10, 2018
Oh, Soams.
How we followed you for six books, changing and evolving through time, from an unloved Man of Property, to finally being loved back, and still haunted by the consequences of that horrible first marriage.
And poor Fleur, the modern woman in a gilded cage. All she needed was a career, and she wouldn't have been driven to the insanity that hurt her so. Her father was strangled by society's crazy codes of decency, and she was just as strangled.
How we followed you for six books, changing and evolving through time, from an unloved Man of Property, to finally being loved back, and still haunted by the consequences of that horrible first marriage.
And poor Fleur, the modern woman in a gilded cage. All she needed was a career, and she wouldn't have been driven to the insanity that hurt her so. Her father was strangled by society's crazy codes of decency, and she was just as strangled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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