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The Forsyte Chronicles #5
The Silver Spoon
The Silver Spoon is the fifth volume in The Forsyte Chronicles, one of the most popular and enduring works of 20th-century literature. In creating the many extraordinary members of the Forsyte family, the author also drew a fascinating and accurately detailed picture of the British propertied class, from the wealth and security of the mid-Victorian era through the Edwardian high-noon to a post-War world of change, strikes, and social malaise. This volume carries on with the tale of Soames' daughter Fleur. Married to Michael Mont, in line for a Barony, the story focuses on Michael's start in Parliament and Fleur's inherent dissatisfaction with her marriage, not unlike her father's own experience only in this case it is Fleur who loves another. The American Frances Wilmont enters the scene bringing news that Fleur's real love, Jon, forbidden to her as the son of her father's ex-wife, has married Wilmont's sister. Fleur struggles to be happy and fulfilled, just as her father Soames did. The nine novels, which make up The Forsyte Chronicles -- one of the most popular and enduring works of 20th century literature -- chronicle the ebbing social power of the commercial upper-middle class Forsyte family between 1886 and 1920. Galsworthy's masterly narrative examines not only their fortunes but also the wider developments within society, particularly the changing position of women. The author has drawn a fascinating and accurately detailed picture of the British propertied class. Often incorrectly called The Forsyte Saga - the nine novel sequence properly known as The Forsyte Chronicles contains three trilogies- of which the first trilogy is The Forsyte Saga (The Man of Property - In Chancery- To Let). The second trilogy- A Modern Comedy (The White Monkey- The Silver Spoon- Swan Song) is followed by the third and concluding trilogy- End of the Chapter (Maid in Waiting- Flowering Wilderness- One More River).
332 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1926
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About the author
John Galsworthy
2,421 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 58 reviews
July 2, 2025
Quinto romanzo della saga dei Forsyte, “Il Cucchiaio d’Argento” (1926) si apre con l’interludio “Un Idillio Silenzioso”, poche pagine di grande letteratura per raccontare l’inizio di un amore tratteggiato con mano lieve ma sicura: un racconto intriso di piacevole romanticismo non stucchevole che avvolge il lettore e ne fa palpitare le corde più intime; l’autore trasferisce poi l’azione del romanzo nella vecchia Inghilterra dove Fleur Forsyte è diventata mamma e promuove in casa sua serate invitando “la gente che conta” per favorire l’attività politica di suo marito Michael Mont che entrato come deputato in parlamento e animato di entusiasmo cerca di tracciare nuove vie economiche e sociali per risollevare il Paese dalla crisi che lo attanaglia dopo la fine del primo conflitto mondiale. Ed è durante uno di questi ricevimenti che un’invitata, la giovane ribelle Marjorie Ferrar socialmente e sentimentalmente disinvolta, si lascia sfuggire commenti offensivi nei confronti di Fleur e la dura replica di Soames Forsyte che l’ha sentita, porterà la “querelle” fin nelle aule di un tribunale. Anche in questo ennesimo romanzo della lunga saga dei Forsyte, John Galsworthy [1867-1933] dimostra la sua abilità a raccontare il primo dopoguerra e la società inglese che si trasforma e si plasma in conformità ai tempi con nuove lotte sociali frutto delle gravi difficoltà economiche post conflitto che coinvolge i ceti più poveri, l’emancipazione delle donne, la nobiltà abbarbicata tenacemente ai suoi privilegi, grazie a una scrittura accattivante, sempre originale e intrigante.
September 16, 2018
He disfrutado menos de este libro que de 'El mono blanco' porque la trama principal con un juicio completamente absurdo y loco de por medio, no acabó de atraparme, pero me encanta cómo Galsworthy utiliza esta excusa para analizar una vez más la banalidad e hipocresía de la clase alta inglesa en los años 20.
En este libro me ha faltado mucho Soames, pero cuando ha aparecido ha BRILLADO. El desenlace solo me hace desear leer el tercer y último libro de esta trilogía ardientemente.
Pd. Empieza a ser tradición que en todos los libros de Galsworthy un hombre se enamore de tal manera de una mujer que este enamoramiento lo lleve a las puertas de la muerte (Cero dramas xDD)
Pd2. Dios que petarda es Fleur
En este libro me ha faltado mucho Soames, pero cuando ha aparecido ha BRILLADO. El desenlace solo me hace desear leer el tercer y último libro de esta trilogía ardientemente.
Pd. Empieza a ser tradición que en todos los libros de Galsworthy un hombre se enamore de tal manera de una mujer que este enamoramiento lo lleve a las puertas de la muerte (Cero dramas xDD)
Pd2. Dios que petarda es Fleur
June 7, 2025
Ha un titolo non comune (così come gli altri due volume di questa trilogia) il quinto volume della saga dei Forsyte. Il cucchiaio d'argento è da sempre considerato un simbolo di buon augurio e veniva regalato ad un neonato come un augurio di ricchezza, fortuna e prosperità nella vita; all'interno del romanzo questo simbolo è usato più volte come metafora per la società inglese del primo dopoguerra da Galsworthy.
Siamo nel 1926. Sono passati appena due anni dagli eventi narrati nel volume precedente, Fleur e Michael sono diventati genitori di un bel bambino e sono entrambi coinvolti nella società inglese del tempo: Fleur vuole essere una lady di prestigio agli occhi della società e cerca di creare un salotto mondano con gente che conta; Michael è stato eletto in parlamento e cerca di mettere in pratica la sua politica sociale ma i risultati non sono certo dei migliori. Tra i due coniugi si insinua una crescente tensione tra le ambizioni di Fleur come padrona di casa dell'alta società e le convenzioni e le responsabilità politiche come membro del parlamento di Michael.
Durante uno dei party organizzati da Fleur, Soames (che farebbe di tutto per proteggere la figlia), interviene in una discussione con una giovane donna della alta società (conosciuta per i suoi atteggiamenti impudenti) credendo di difendere la reputazione della figlia, ma la sua maldestra ingerenza dà il via ad uno scandalo che finirà in tribunale.
Devo dire che Il cucchiaio d'argento è stata una lettura gradevole, avvincente e molto attuale, in cui le vicende sono esposte con spirito critico e allo stesso tempo ironico dall'autore.
Ho trovato questo romanzo nettamente superiore e più avvincente rispetto al volume precedente.
Già a partire dall'interludio che ho trovato poetico, coinvolgente, placido come la natura e l'ambiente in cui si svolge la vicenda; il narrare placido e lineare di Galsworthy trasmette serenità, tranquillità e calma all'animo del lettore.
Grazie ad una scrittura come sempre accattivante, elegante, originale e intrigante, permeata da un graffiante e allo stesso tempo delicato sarcasmo, proseguiamo nel seguire le vicende di Soames, Fleur e Michael Forsyte, i tre principali protagonisti di questo romanzo e della seconda trilogia.
Anche in questo romanzo l'autore inglese è un maestro nel delineare i personaggi, sia i principali che i comprimari, e ad analizzarne gli atteggiamenti; sono personaggi imperfetti e anche superficiali nella loro umanità che Galsworthy riesce a rendere avvincenti, empatici e tremendamente umani; personaggi con i quali puoi provare empatia anche se non condividi i loro punti di vista. Come sempre nei romanzi di questo scrittore i personaggi maschili sono tratteggiati e delineati meglio rispetto a quelli femminili (come mi è capitato spesso nei romanzi di Galsworthy, ho odiato cordialmente la maggior parte delle donne da lui create, su tutte Irene e Fleur). In questo libro trovo che Fleur rimanga un po' più sullo sfondo, almeno nella prima parte, rispetto al volume precedente. Nonostante Fleur sia considerata una ragazza carina, sempre alla moda e faccia di tutto per essere accettata dall'alta società londinese, ciò non le riesce a causa del suo carattere poco carismatico e anche perché è considerata egocentrica, ambiziosa, viziata, snob, egoista e ignorante. Suo padre Soames come sempre è al suo fianco; e anche stavolta fa e farebbe di tutto per proteggere la figlia, il suo buon nome e la sua felicità. Dalla prima trilogia a questo volume, Soames è il personaggio che ha subito una maggiore crescita ed evoluzione. Rispetto ai primi tre libri, ma soprattutto da quando è diventato padre, Soames è un uomo più attento, protettivo, saggio e premuroso.
Altro personaggio importante all'interno del romanzo è Marjorie Ferrars (antagonista di Fleur), una donna cinica, spregiudicata, menefreghista, ipocrita e anticonformista (non è poi così tanto diversa dalla Fleur del passato), in difficoltà economiche ma abituata a fare una bella vita. Marjorie reclama la libertà per sé, disinteressandosi delle ipocrisie della società che in quegli anni affronta grandi cambiamenti dopo il periodo vittoriano. La sua figura serve a Galsworthy per compiere con la sua tipica delicatezza un'analisi della società, dei suoi pensieri, dei suoi costumi sociali, della sua sensibilità sulla diversa moralità tra uomo e donna sul sesso prematrimoniale, sulla vecchia e nuova moralità, sulla moralità pubblica e quella privata. L'assurda causa in tribunale che vede coinvolte le due donne serve a Galsworthy per satireggiare la nuova moralità dei giovani inglesi negli anni '20.
Sicuramente però il personaggio più centrale in questo romanzo è Michael Mont, il marito di Fleur; che si rivela un personaggio simpatico, idealista, più sfaccettato e sicuramente uno dei più approfonditi di questa seconda trilogia. Attraverso il personaggio di Michael e delle sue opinioni politiche, Galsworthy illustra il suo pensiero sulla società inglese del primo dopoguerra. L'autore è molto abile nel raccontare la società inglese del periodo con tutte le sue ipocrisie e le sue trasformazioni sociali; trasformazioni frutto di lotte sociali dovute alle gravi condizioni economiche del periodo. L'autore ci racconta la politica, i costumi sociali, l'emancipazione femminile, i privilegi dei nobili, le condizioni della società. Una società soprattutto quelle delle alte classi sociali che si disinteressa delle classi più deboli, che si illude che tutto vada bene e che vi sia ricchezza per tutti (da cui il cucchiaio d'argento del titolo), quando invece quelli sono anni in cui le condizioni economiche e sociali del popolo erano durissime e difficilissime; anni in cui la crescente miseria, la povertà e la disoccupazione mordono le classi sociali più deboli.
Anche in questo romanzo Galsworthy conferma ancora una volta di essere un grande anzi grandissimo scrittore.
«Ecco la più grave debolezza della vostra generazione. La paura del ridicolo, il terrore di apparire di essere indietro con i tempi. Debolezza di carattere e di mente, questa.»
Siamo nel 1926. Sono passati appena due anni dagli eventi narrati nel volume precedente, Fleur e Michael sono diventati genitori di un bel bambino e sono entrambi coinvolti nella società inglese del tempo: Fleur vuole essere una lady di prestigio agli occhi della società e cerca di creare un salotto mondano con gente che conta; Michael è stato eletto in parlamento e cerca di mettere in pratica la sua politica sociale ma i risultati non sono certo dei migliori. Tra i due coniugi si insinua una crescente tensione tra le ambizioni di Fleur come padrona di casa dell'alta società e le convenzioni e le responsabilità politiche come membro del parlamento di Michael.
Durante uno dei party organizzati da Fleur, Soames (che farebbe di tutto per proteggere la figlia), interviene in una discussione con una giovane donna della alta società (conosciuta per i suoi atteggiamenti impudenti) credendo di difendere la reputazione della figlia, ma la sua maldestra ingerenza dà il via ad uno scandalo che finirà in tribunale.
Devo dire che Il cucchiaio d'argento è stata una lettura gradevole, avvincente e molto attuale, in cui le vicende sono esposte con spirito critico e allo stesso tempo ironico dall'autore.
Ho trovato questo romanzo nettamente superiore e più avvincente rispetto al volume precedente.
Già a partire dall'interludio che ho trovato poetico, coinvolgente, placido come la natura e l'ambiente in cui si svolge la vicenda; il narrare placido e lineare di Galsworthy trasmette serenità, tranquillità e calma all'animo del lettore.
Grazie ad una scrittura come sempre accattivante, elegante, originale e intrigante, permeata da un graffiante e allo stesso tempo delicato sarcasmo, proseguiamo nel seguire le vicende di Soames, Fleur e Michael Forsyte, i tre principali protagonisti di questo romanzo e della seconda trilogia.
Anche in questo romanzo l'autore inglese è un maestro nel delineare i personaggi, sia i principali che i comprimari, e ad analizzarne gli atteggiamenti; sono personaggi imperfetti e anche superficiali nella loro umanità che Galsworthy riesce a rendere avvincenti, empatici e tremendamente umani; personaggi con i quali puoi provare empatia anche se non condividi i loro punti di vista. Come sempre nei romanzi di questo scrittore i personaggi maschili sono tratteggiati e delineati meglio rispetto a quelli femminili (come mi è capitato spesso nei romanzi di Galsworthy, ho odiato cordialmente la maggior parte delle donne da lui create, su tutte Irene e Fleur). In questo libro trovo che Fleur rimanga un po' più sullo sfondo, almeno nella prima parte, rispetto al volume precedente. Nonostante Fleur sia considerata una ragazza carina, sempre alla moda e faccia di tutto per essere accettata dall'alta società londinese, ciò non le riesce a causa del suo carattere poco carismatico e anche perché è considerata egocentrica, ambiziosa, viziata, snob, egoista e ignorante. Suo padre Soames come sempre è al suo fianco; e anche stavolta fa e farebbe di tutto per proteggere la figlia, il suo buon nome e la sua felicità. Dalla prima trilogia a questo volume, Soames è il personaggio che ha subito una maggiore crescita ed evoluzione. Rispetto ai primi tre libri, ma soprattutto da quando è diventato padre, Soames è un uomo più attento, protettivo, saggio e premuroso.
Altro personaggio importante all'interno del romanzo è Marjorie Ferrars (antagonista di Fleur), una donna cinica, spregiudicata, menefreghista, ipocrita e anticonformista (non è poi così tanto diversa dalla Fleur del passato), in difficoltà economiche ma abituata a fare una bella vita. Marjorie reclama la libertà per sé, disinteressandosi delle ipocrisie della società che in quegli anni affronta grandi cambiamenti dopo il periodo vittoriano. La sua figura serve a Galsworthy per compiere con la sua tipica delicatezza un'analisi della società, dei suoi pensieri, dei suoi costumi sociali, della sua sensibilità sulla diversa moralità tra uomo e donna sul sesso prematrimoniale, sulla vecchia e nuova moralità, sulla moralità pubblica e quella privata. L'assurda causa in tribunale che vede coinvolte le due donne serve a Galsworthy per satireggiare la nuova moralità dei giovani inglesi negli anni '20.
Sicuramente però il personaggio più centrale in questo romanzo è Michael Mont, il marito di Fleur; che si rivela un personaggio simpatico, idealista, più sfaccettato e sicuramente uno dei più approfonditi di questa seconda trilogia. Attraverso il personaggio di Michael e delle sue opinioni politiche, Galsworthy illustra il suo pensiero sulla società inglese del primo dopoguerra. L'autore è molto abile nel raccontare la società inglese del periodo con tutte le sue ipocrisie e le sue trasformazioni sociali; trasformazioni frutto di lotte sociali dovute alle gravi condizioni economiche del periodo. L'autore ci racconta la politica, i costumi sociali, l'emancipazione femminile, i privilegi dei nobili, le condizioni della società. Una società soprattutto quelle delle alte classi sociali che si disinteressa delle classi più deboli, che si illude che tutto vada bene e che vi sia ricchezza per tutti (da cui il cucchiaio d'argento del titolo), quando invece quelli sono anni in cui le condizioni economiche e sociali del popolo erano durissime e difficilissime; anni in cui la crescente miseria, la povertà e la disoccupazione mordono le classi sociali più deboli.
Anche in questo romanzo Galsworthy conferma ancora una volta di essere un grande anzi grandissimo scrittore.
«Ecco la più grave debolezza della vostra generazione. La paura del ridicolo, il terrore di apparire di essere indietro con i tempi. Debolezza di carattere e di mente, questa.»
July 4, 2022
The Forsyte's and co are such long-term companions to me now that no book could possibly disappoint. This particular instalment focuses mainly on Michael and Fleur - the former as he embarks on his political journey and the latter as she continues to climb the social ladder. On one particular night of Fleur's socialising, words are exchanged, letters are sent, Soames makes a scene and a scandal emerges. This was my favourite part of the book, seeing the scandal unfold and watching it progress to court.
Fleur, as always, was a selfish madam and irritated me beyond words. I hope in future books we see her mature and act like the mother and wife her son and husband deserve. Soames, who I've disliked in previous books is definitely growing on me - I truly believe he is a changed man and has softened since becoming a father and growing old.
The Foggartism element was really interesting, especially in relation to the state of England at the time the book was set. I have just learned that Foggartism is not an actual concept but is based on a policy where orphaned children were to Australia for a new start in life (unfortunately though, it often ended in abuse and cruelty).
Having read the interlude, I can't wait to see what the third volume of A Modern Comedy has in store for us!
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 4.1
Writing style/readability - 4.2
Characters - 3.8
Diverse themes - 4
Ending - 4.1
Overall - 4
Fleur, as always, was a selfish madam and irritated me beyond words. I hope in future books we see her mature and act like the mother and wife her son and husband deserve. Soames, who I've disliked in previous books is definitely growing on me - I truly believe he is a changed man and has softened since becoming a father and growing old.
The Foggartism element was really interesting, especially in relation to the state of England at the time the book was set. I have just learned that Foggartism is not an actual concept but is based on a policy where orphaned children were to Australia for a new start in life (unfortunately though, it often ended in abuse and cruelty).
Having read the interlude, I can't wait to see what the third volume of A Modern Comedy has in store for us!
Rating breakdown
Plot/narrative - 4.1
Writing style/readability - 4.2
Characters - 3.8
Diverse themes - 4
Ending - 4.1
Overall - 4
June 27, 2015
I’m enjoying the continuing story of the Forsytes, although Soames is the only Forsyte in name left - the story also follows his daughter, Fleur and her husband.
I was intrigued by Michael (now a British MP) and his upholding of “Foggartism” - which included the belief that if the children of Britain could be caught young (about 14 or 15 years old) and taken out to a new land (like Australia), then this would alleviate the strain on British resources and give the children a more promising life. While not called Foggartism in real life, this policy was actually put into place (at least partially) with “orphans” brought over to Australia to live (in actual fact, not all the children brought over were orphans, causing much distress for their parents and siblings).
The other main story was of a feud which developed between Fleur and a guest at one of her gatherings who made some impolite remarks about her hostess. While a little tedious at times, it also afforded some amusement on occasion.
3.5 stars for this one, and I’m now looking forward to the 6th chronicle of the Forsytes - The Forsyte Saga: Swan Song.
I was intrigued by Michael (now a British MP) and his upholding of “Foggartism” - which included the belief that if the children of Britain could be caught young (about 14 or 15 years old) and taken out to a new land (like Australia), then this would alleviate the strain on British resources and give the children a more promising life. While not called Foggartism in real life, this policy was actually put into place (at least partially) with “orphans” brought over to Australia to live (in actual fact, not all the children brought over were orphans, causing much distress for their parents and siblings).
The other main story was of a feud which developed between Fleur and a guest at one of her gatherings who made some impolite remarks about her hostess. While a little tedious at times, it also afforded some amusement on occasion.
3.5 stars for this one, and I’m now looking forward to the 6th chronicle of the Forsytes - The Forsyte Saga: Swan Song.
June 22, 2015
As The Silver Spoon begins, Francis Wilmot turns up at Fleur and Michael Mont’s fashionable London house, bringing with him news of Jon and his sister. Fleur enjoys the society of all sorts of fashionable, interesting people at her carefully decorated home. A new dog has taken the place of the adored little Pekinese and the décor is no longer Chinese in inspiration. Fleur and Michael’s son, Kit, often affectionately known as the eleventh Baronet is a happy little chap, the apple of everyone’s eye.
Michael has left the world of publishing since we last saw him and entered the world of politics. While trying to decide what his politics actually are, Michael hits upon Foggartism – a bizarre policy which focuses on fixing the country through the eradication of unemployment by sending young people to the colonies to work. Foggartism is in danger of making Michael into a laughing stock, but he sticks to his adopted principles, introducing a small scheme for a group of unemployed people on his father’s estate.
Full review: https://heavenali.wordpress.com/2015/...
Michael has left the world of publishing since we last saw him and entered the world of politics. While trying to decide what his politics actually are, Michael hits upon Foggartism – a bizarre policy which focuses on fixing the country through the eradication of unemployment by sending young people to the colonies to work. Foggartism is in danger of making Michael into a laughing stock, but he sticks to his adopted principles, introducing a small scheme for a group of unemployed people on his father’s estate.
Full review: https://heavenali.wordpress.com/2015/...
July 29, 2021
I inadvertently skipped forward a couple of books in the series. I need to go back and pick them up in order with the third book - To Let. This one is a little tamer than the earlier ones that I have read. The concerns of the characters in this one are smaller than the other books - Fleur wanting to have a salon at the top of London society, Michael with a seat in Parliament where he pursues the Quixotic program of Foggartism and the whole family pulled into a silly libel suit over nothing on account of the once great and fearsome lion of the family, Soames Forsyte, wanting to protect his daughter. It's a bit sad to see Soames defanged and the great schemes of the Forsytes, those magnificent money grubbing captains of bourgeois society, reduced to this. Still it's a great story with compelling characters and so much better written than most of what I have been reading lately.
February 28, 2016
No sé qué tiene este personaje que siempre me conmueve. Amo a Soames. Lástima que se acerque su canto del cisne :(
September 27, 2025
Del fem av i främsta rummet Soames Forsytes liv, med dotter och syster osv, var ursprungligen del 2, av något som kallades 'The Modern Comedy', vilket är mycket talande för just den här. Utgiven 1926, handlar den om åren 1924-1925. Precis som i del 4 (Modern Comedy 1), vill Galsworthy beskriva sin samtid. Modern Comedy är de omedelbara intrycken av det 'glada, ytliga' 1920-talet, oron efter första världskriget, när ekonomin fortfarande är i gungning, berg-och-dalbana, arbetslösheten ökar.
The Silver Spoon rör 'Societen', den övre medelklassen och innefolket, och några adliga landägare, som hänger på fallrepet. Ändå är de födda med silversked i mun, och förväntar sig att fortsätta sitt flotta liv, medan alltfler lägre ner på samhällsstegen blir arbetslösa och utblottade.
Fleurs make Michael Mont tillhör dem, som 10e baronet, vill dock göra insats för 'England', få folket och ekonomin på rätt köl. Han propagerar en ny politisk idé, Foggertism, som skall knyta samman imperiets domäner bortom haven, genom att skicka ut de fattigastes barn för att starta på ny kula. Michael känner sig dock misslyckad och närmast maktlös.
Fleur själv hamnar i schism med Marjorie, som tillhör det hippa innefolket, som vågar utmana de gamla viktorianska moralen, och gå sin egen väg. Som dotter till en markis, med oftast skuldsatt, som klättrar i societetslivet, genom att syssla med teater och konst. Alla vill vara moderna och frigjorda, det är ändå fortfarande skillnad på jordägaradel och fastighetsägare som Forsytes, med säkra ränteinkomster. Samhället håller på att omdanas.
Fleur och Marjorie hamnar i domstol, och trots att Fleur vinner, så är hon en förlorare, genom skillnaderna i öppna och dolda moraliska regler. Galsworthy är skicklig på att balansera alla klichéer, till komplexa nät som hela tiden motsäger varandra. Ingen karaktär är platt, alla har många motsägande sidor, ingen är bara ond, eller bara egoist. Så hur än deprimerade människorna känner sig, så är det lätt att se det nya moderna livet som en enda komedi.
Och fortfarande är porträttet av Saomes det mest lysande, oförglömliga, den hela livet så strikte mannen, som nu skall försöka sig på pensionärslivet, muttrande motsträvig försöker han sig på golf och andra meningslösheter, och börjar växa som människa, utöver sin gamla yrkesroll som noggrann och försiktig jurist. Hans hjärta slutar aldrig blöda för dottern.
The Silver Spoon rör 'Societen', den övre medelklassen och innefolket, och några adliga landägare, som hänger på fallrepet. Ändå är de födda med silversked i mun, och förväntar sig att fortsätta sitt flotta liv, medan alltfler lägre ner på samhällsstegen blir arbetslösa och utblottade.
Fleurs make Michael Mont tillhör dem, som 10e baronet, vill dock göra insats för 'England', få folket och ekonomin på rätt köl. Han propagerar en ny politisk idé, Foggertism, som skall knyta samman imperiets domäner bortom haven, genom att skicka ut de fattigastes barn för att starta på ny kula. Michael känner sig dock misslyckad och närmast maktlös.
Fleur själv hamnar i schism med Marjorie, som tillhör det hippa innefolket, som vågar utmana de gamla viktorianska moralen, och gå sin egen väg. Som dotter till en markis, med oftast skuldsatt, som klättrar i societetslivet, genom att syssla med teater och konst. Alla vill vara moderna och frigjorda, det är ändå fortfarande skillnad på jordägaradel och fastighetsägare som Forsytes, med säkra ränteinkomster. Samhället håller på att omdanas.
Fleur och Marjorie hamnar i domstol, och trots att Fleur vinner, så är hon en förlorare, genom skillnaderna i öppna och dolda moraliska regler. Galsworthy är skicklig på att balansera alla klichéer, till komplexa nät som hela tiden motsäger varandra. Ingen karaktär är platt, alla har många motsägande sidor, ingen är bara ond, eller bara egoist. Så hur än deprimerade människorna känner sig, så är det lätt att se det nya moderna livet som en enda komedi.
Och fortfarande är porträttet av Saomes det mest lysande, oförglömliga, den hela livet så strikte mannen, som nu skall försöka sig på pensionärslivet, muttrande motsträvig försöker han sig på golf och andra meningslösheter, och börjar växa som människa, utöver sin gamla yrkesroll som noggrann och försiktig jurist. Hans hjärta slutar aldrig blöda för dottern.
April 6, 2021
This is the second novel in the second trilogy of Galsworthy's Forsythe Saga and this book serves, primarily as a set up for the final volume in the trilogy. Fleur Mont has set herself up as a stylish London hostess, holding literary and musical salons for what were known in the 1920's as the "Bright young Things." Her husband Michael, is now a member of Parliament and consumed with a theory called Fogatism that proposes to solve England's economic problems by emigration to the Dominions.
When Fleur's father, Soames Forsyth, hears one of Fleur's guests, Marjorie Farrow, call her a snob, he calls the offending party out & the result is a lawsuit over defamation of character Considering what goes on today, this all seems rather silly to the modern reader. The story is complicated when Jon Forsyth's American brother-in-law arrives at the Mont's on the tail end of his European tour & promptly falls for the offending Marjorie.
This book is primarily worth reading just to fill in the blanks for what will come later, and perhaps, just for an historical look of a time that is now long gone.
When Fleur's father, Soames Forsyth, hears one of Fleur's guests, Marjorie Farrow, call her a snob, he calls the offending party out & the result is a lawsuit over defamation of character Considering what goes on today, this all seems rather silly to the modern reader. The story is complicated when Jon Forsyth's American brother-in-law arrives at the Mont's on the tail end of his European tour & promptly falls for the offending Marjorie.
This book is primarily worth reading just to fill in the blanks for what will come later, and perhaps, just for an historical look of a time that is now long gone.
June 23, 2023
I feel so sad but i didn't appreciate much these second novel, this is not anymore the Forsyte saga- since England and its political and economical situation seems to be the main protagonist, and not in the most interesting way.
Way too repetitive (don't wanna read the word foggartism ever again), characters get duller and duller with every page...surely a reflection of a society where poverty and unemployment and a sense of dread afflicts most.
Way too repetitive (don't wanna read the word foggartism ever again), characters get duller and duller with every page...surely a reflection of a society where poverty and unemployment and a sense of dread afflicts most.
December 17, 2019
Rating based on Audible's dramatization of the Forsyte Chronicles. This book was slow at first but quickly wrapped the characters in a vast web of social secrets, faux pas, and strategies. Good enough that I'd like to read the original novels when the audio series is finished!
June 8, 2022
“La vida era un pitillo, que se fumaba y se arrojaba enseguida; una danza que había que bailar.”
November 4, 2024
Boring and confusing
April 21, 2016
John Galsworthy veía venir una crisis económica y posiblemente otra guerra en 1924. John Galsworthy era capaz de ver que la supuesta libertad y relajación moral de las nuevas generaciones no era tal, sobre todo en cuanto a los hombres y su visión de las mujeres. John Galsworthy era un escritor que escribe un alegato feminista, aunque no se declare abiertamente, con un personaje femenino que es imperfecto y que dista mucho de ser una santa.
Es decir, John Galsworthy era más feminista que muchas autoras del siglo XXI, sobre todo si escriben romántica, y lo más sangrante, si escriben romántica juvenil. Porque en un libro actual, Marjorie Ferrars sería esa zorra que le hace la vida imposible a nuestra noble protagonista (aunque esa protagonista de "noble" solo tenga el hecho de que lo dice el o la autora). Y Marjorie Ferrars es la antagonista en esta novela y ese antagonismo con Fleur es lo que mueve mayormente la trama; pero sutilmente, y aunque al principio no lo parezca, Galsworthy termina construyendo con ella el relato de la doble moral de la época. Del "si somos súper liberales y respetamos mucho a las mujeres", pero luego, a la hora de la verdad, un hombre puede hacer cosas y se le permiten comportamientos (sobre todo en cuanto al sexo y más concretamente, el sexo antes del matrimonio) que en una mujer se reprueban del todo. Y Galsworthy monta este discurso sin que en ningún momento tenga que ser amable con Marjorie o tratarla de mártir o justificarla en absoluto. De la misma manera que Fleur, la protagonista (o una de ellos), no tiene que ser siempre buena y sacrificada para que puedas empatizar con ella.
John Galsworthy es muy bueno desarrollando personajes con muchos defectos y explicando no solo por qué son así, sino empatizando de alguna manera con ellos, de tal forma que puedes comprender por qué hacen las cosas aunque no compartas su punto de vista.
El otro motor de la novela es el día a día de Michael Mont como político y su teoría: el "foggartysmo", que según él impedirá la crisis que va a llegar. Resulta chocante que Galsworthy escribiera esto en 1924, es decir, en mitad de los "alegres años veinte" y fuera perfectamente consciente de que la fiesta se iba a acabar. Es más, es perfectamente consciente de que la fiesta no va tan bien como la gente dice. Es como un economista avisando de la crisis antes de 2007 (que los hubo, y se les ignoró). El "foggartysmo" es un poco loco, sí, pero también es una excusa para hablar de la política de la época.
Esta nueva trilogía de Galsworthy es más ligera que la original de "La saga de los Forsyte", más tendente a la comedia tal vez, pero también tiene pinceladas de las que la primera carecía, como escribir y meter como personajes a gente que no es parte de la alta burguesía a la que pertenecen los Forsyte, sino a la clase trabajadora, a la clase baja.
No sé al final cómo acabará todo esto, pero estoy deseando saberlo.
Es decir, John Galsworthy era más feminista que muchas autoras del siglo XXI, sobre todo si escriben romántica, y lo más sangrante, si escriben romántica juvenil. Porque en un libro actual, Marjorie Ferrars sería esa zorra que le hace la vida imposible a nuestra noble protagonista (aunque esa protagonista de "noble" solo tenga el hecho de que lo dice el o la autora). Y Marjorie Ferrars es la antagonista en esta novela y ese antagonismo con Fleur es lo que mueve mayormente la trama; pero sutilmente, y aunque al principio no lo parezca, Galsworthy termina construyendo con ella el relato de la doble moral de la época. Del "si somos súper liberales y respetamos mucho a las mujeres", pero luego, a la hora de la verdad, un hombre puede hacer cosas y se le permiten comportamientos (sobre todo en cuanto al sexo y más concretamente, el sexo antes del matrimonio) que en una mujer se reprueban del todo. Y Galsworthy monta este discurso sin que en ningún momento tenga que ser amable con Marjorie o tratarla de mártir o justificarla en absoluto. De la misma manera que Fleur, la protagonista (o una de ellos), no tiene que ser siempre buena y sacrificada para que puedas empatizar con ella.
John Galsworthy es muy bueno desarrollando personajes con muchos defectos y explicando no solo por qué son así, sino empatizando de alguna manera con ellos, de tal forma que puedes comprender por qué hacen las cosas aunque no compartas su punto de vista.
El otro motor de la novela es el día a día de Michael Mont como político y su teoría: el "foggartysmo", que según él impedirá la crisis que va a llegar. Resulta chocante que Galsworthy escribiera esto en 1924, es decir, en mitad de los "alegres años veinte" y fuera perfectamente consciente de que la fiesta se iba a acabar. Es más, es perfectamente consciente de que la fiesta no va tan bien como la gente dice. Es como un economista avisando de la crisis antes de 2007 (que los hubo, y se les ignoró). El "foggartysmo" es un poco loco, sí, pero también es una excusa para hablar de la política de la época.
Esta nueva trilogía de Galsworthy es más ligera que la original de "La saga de los Forsyte", más tendente a la comedia tal vez, pero también tiene pinceladas de las que la primera carecía, como escribir y meter como personajes a gente que no es parte de la alta burguesía a la que pertenecen los Forsyte, sino a la clase trabajadora, a la clase baja.
No sé al final cómo acabará todo esto, pero estoy deseando saberlo.
May 4, 2021
В названии обыгрывается устойчивое английское выражение «родиться с серебряной ложкой во рту». По ходу книги оно применяется как к Флер, которая оказалась втянутой в светский скандал и судебный процесс, так и к Англии, которая переживала сложные внутриполитические времена.
“— Позаботьтесь, чтобы Флёр не вздумала оскорблять эту рыжую кошку, сказал он. — Флёр родилась с серебряной ложкой во рту; по ее мнению, она может делать все, что ей вздумается.”
“У себя в кабинете он сел перед «Белой обезьяной». Эта стратегическая позиция помогала ему проникнуть в глубь его семейных отношений. Флёр всегда должна быть первой, хочет играть главную роль. Люди, которых она коллекционирует, не смеют жить своей жизнью! Эта мучительная догадка его испугала. Нет, нет! Просто-напросто она привыкла держать во рту серебряную ложку и не может с ней расстаться. Она недовольна, что он интересуется не только ею. Вернее, недовольна собой, потому что не может разделять его интересы.»
“Страна ищет болеутоляющего средства — «сильного и прочного правительства». Но сможет ли это сильное и прочное правительство бороться с наследственным раком, восстановить утраченное равновесие? Сумеет ли успокоить ноющую боль, которую ощущают все, ни словом о ней не упоминая?
«Мы избалованы прошлым благополучием, — думал Майкл. — Мы ни за что не признаемся в том, что больны, и, однако, остро ощущаем свою болезнь!»
Англия с серебряной ложкой во рту! Зубов у нее уже не осталось, чтобы эту ложку удерживать, но духу не хватает расстаться с ложкой! А наши национальные добродетели — выносливость, умение все принимать с улыбкой, крепкие нервы и отсутствие фантазии? Сейчас эти добродетели граничат с пороками, ибо приводят к легкомысленной уверенности в том, что Англия сумеет как-нибудь выпутаться, не прилагая особых усилий. Но с каждым годом остается все меньше шансов оправиться от потрясения, меньше времени для упражнения в британских «добродетелях». «Тяжелы мы на подъем, — думал Майкл. — В тысяча девятьсот двадцать четвертом году это непростительно».”
“Сохранила ли Англия свою волю к жизни; или все они так избалованы, так впечатлительны, что дали ей ослабнуть? Может быть, они так долго сосали серебряную ложку, что, убоявшись деревянной, предпочитают просто встать из-за стола?”
“— Позаботьтесь, чтобы Флёр не вздумала оскорблять эту рыжую кошку, сказал он. — Флёр родилась с серебряной ложкой во рту; по ее мнению, она может делать все, что ей вздумается.”
“У себя в кабинете он сел перед «Белой обезьяной». Эта стратегическая позиция помогала ему проникнуть в глубь его семейных отношений. Флёр всегда должна быть первой, хочет играть главную роль. Люди, которых она коллекционирует, не смеют жить своей жизнью! Эта мучительная догадка его испугала. Нет, нет! Просто-напросто она привыкла держать во рту серебряную ложку и не может с ней расстаться. Она недовольна, что он интересуется не только ею. Вернее, недовольна собой, потому что не может разделять его интересы.»
“Страна ищет болеутоляющего средства — «сильного и прочного правительства». Но сможет ли это сильное и прочное правительство бороться с наследственным раком, восстановить утраченное равновесие? Сумеет ли успокоить ноющую боль, которую ощущают все, ни словом о ней не упоминая?
«Мы избалованы прошлым благополучием, — думал Майкл. — Мы ни за что не признаемся в том, что больны, и, однако, остро ощущаем свою болезнь!»
Англия с серебряной ложкой во рту! Зубов у нее уже не осталось, чтобы эту ложку удерживать, но духу не хватает расстаться с ложкой! А наши национальные добродетели — выносливость, умение все принимать с улыбкой, крепкие нервы и отсутствие фантазии? Сейчас эти добродетели граничат с пороками, ибо приводят к легкомысленной уверенности в том, что Англия сумеет как-нибудь выпутаться, не прилагая особых усилий. Но с каждым годом остается все меньше шансов оправиться от потрясения, меньше времени для упражнения в британских «добродетелях». «Тяжелы мы на подъем, — думал Майкл. — В тысяча девятьсот двадцать четвертом году это непростительно».”
“Сохранила ли Англия свою волю к жизни; или все они так избалованы, так впечатлительны, что дали ей ослабнуть? Может быть, они так долго сосали серебряную ложку, что, убоявшись деревянной, предпочитают просто встать из-за стола?”
March 17, 2022
This book is labelled as a modern comedy but the comedy was lost on me. My bad perhaps. All I fathomed here was an egoistic father who wants to protect his ambitious and pampered daughter in the harsh world of politics. Also exists the husband of this daughter who holds certain ideals in his life (something a bit crazy sounding called Foggartism) which are not reciprocated either by the world at large or by the majority of the political soup.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 21, 2024The sequels are definitely not as compelling as the first three books -- I had to force myself to keep going on this one. But it's kind of fun to see Soames getting more mellow as he gets older. I might read the next one, now that Jon and Irene seem to be back.
March 1, 2025
John Galsworthy's "The Silver Spoon" is the fourth novel of "The Forsyte Chronicles" which has a political and legal bend with a romantic angle. Soames and his daughter are the main characters as well as Fleur's husband Michael who is in Parliament. Marjorie Ferrar a society friend whose is quite independent painter and lives a modern life has a significant part. Soames is once again in the court of public and he remembers long ago. The political and culture is quite fascinating especially since this was published in 1926; the Foggartism that Michael was trying to advance and the need to look hard at England's ways, made me think of Churchill and his warnings of the need to prepare. The economics, production and the Empire changes. The sending out of children to the dominions is kind of chilling thought, who would look after them so they would not be harmed. The time frame is 1924-1925.
Story in short- Who should apologize, the rich snob or the immoral society painter?
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
Michael is in Parliament and is into Foggartism which has certain idea about sending older children out of the country to work and gain by it, instead of being a pull on England by unemployment and getting in trouble. Interesting and Michael knows that in general sentiment want to kick the can and ignore the problems. Michael meets Bertie Curfew's sister Norah who works in a children home and finds her spirit refreshing, he loves Fleur but sees her self interest. When Francis Wilmot comes from America mentioning Jon who married his sister Anne which worries Soames and Michael because of Fleur past feelings towards Jon. Francis falling in love with Marjorie but their relationship was limited by his southern gentleman ways which charmed her but his lack of money had her go to a rich man.
Marjorie and Fleur's court case showed after even if you win, the beating down by the lawyers brought sympathy to the loser, Marjorie. Her fiance was willing to forgive her immoral behavior if she tells him everything but she cannot accept this and rather break from him though her debts are huge.
Fleur is not all selfish, she had looked after Francis when he is ill looking to die but her presence gave him hope to live. She also could have used the letter that Marjorie wrote to Francis telling him she will marry another and leave her alone, in court. She would have burnt it if Francis died.
Soames made things worse by confronting Marjorie with all present which caused troubles for all. It is understandable but Michael was very insightful what would happen in any circumstances regarding this whole relationship.
Fleur and Soames go on a world wide tour after she sees how society clings to Marjorie after the loss of the case.
Story in short- Who should apologize, the rich snob or the immoral society painter?
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
Michael is in Parliament and is into Foggartism which has certain idea about sending older children out of the country to work and gain by it, instead of being a pull on England by unemployment and getting in trouble. Interesting and Michael knows that in general sentiment want to kick the can and ignore the problems. Michael meets Bertie Curfew's sister Norah who works in a children home and finds her spirit refreshing, he loves Fleur but sees her self interest. When Francis Wilmot comes from America mentioning Jon who married his sister Anne which worries Soames and Michael because of Fleur past feelings towards Jon. Francis falling in love with Marjorie but their relationship was limited by his southern gentleman ways which charmed her but his lack of money had her go to a rich man.
Marjorie and Fleur's court case showed after even if you win, the beating down by the lawyers brought sympathy to the loser, Marjorie. Her fiance was willing to forgive her immoral behavior if she tells him everything but she cannot accept this and rather break from him though her debts are huge.
Fleur is not all selfish, she had looked after Francis when he is ill looking to die but her presence gave him hope to live. She also could have used the letter that Marjorie wrote to Francis telling him she will marry another and leave her alone, in court. She would have burnt it if Francis died.
Soames made things worse by confronting Marjorie with all present which caused troubles for all. It is understandable but Michael was very insightful what would happen in any circumstances regarding this whole relationship.
Fleur and Soames go on a world wide tour after she sees how society clings to Marjorie after the loss of the case.
June 16, 2017
Book 5 of the FORSYTE CHRONICLES continues the excellent social commentary of the previous novels. It is now 1924, and there is plenty of upheaval in the social order: hemlines are up, employment is down. But the 1% is still in charge, with nary a progressive thought among them.
Fleur Forsyte Mont is a social gadfly, but also arbiter who tends to collect the in-crowd for her burgeoning salon. An insult from one of her circle leads to a lawsuit that threatens to derail her rise in society. This emphasis on being in "the know" with "the new" contrasts with the altruistic tendencies of her husband Michael, who is trying to foment social change through his standing as a Member of Parliament.
Fleur's father, Soames, is devoted to his daughter and grandson Kit. He is now retired and essentially splits his time between his large art collection and his family. His asides and internal musings are the best part of the novel. His reflections show his philosophical outlook on how things have changed since "his day" - astute, amusing and often regretful.
Fleur Forsyte Mont is a social gadfly, but also arbiter who tends to collect the in-crowd for her burgeoning salon. An insult from one of her circle leads to a lawsuit that threatens to derail her rise in society. This emphasis on being in "the know" with "the new" contrasts with the altruistic tendencies of her husband Michael, who is trying to foment social change through his standing as a Member of Parliament.
Fleur's father, Soames, is devoted to his daughter and grandson Kit. He is now retired and essentially splits his time between his large art collection and his family. His asides and internal musings are the best part of the novel. His reflections show his philosophical outlook on how things have changed since "his day" - astute, amusing and often regretful.
January 17, 2022
This fifth novel in John Galsworthy's "Forsyte Saga" deals with the early years of Fleur and Michael's marriage in the mid 1920s. Against a backdrop of increasing destitution amongst the working classes and the lack of concern of the idle rich, the novel explores the growing tension between Fleur's ambitions as a society hostess and Michael's political beliefs and responsibilities as a Member of Parliament. As the couple become embroiled in a court case for libel, a battle is publically fought between the old and new moralities, with disastrous consequences. A gripping and highly readable novel which still feels highly relevant to society a century later.
November 13, 2017
It's a difficult task, taking too unlikeable characters (Fleur and Soames) and making them the lead characters of this novel, the fifth in a series. Fleur is entirely selfish and privileged -- a real millennial before her time -- but yet I felt sorry for her predicament and happy that she pulled through. But more problems for her, and therefore for the people who have the misfortune of loving her, are announced at the end of this novel, so I'll have to see whether Galsworthy can continue his hire wire act in the next installment.
October 12, 2017
Forsyte Chronicles:-
This work developed over a lifetime and began with a simple theme, that of individual's right to life and love, especially those of a woman. The first trilogy, Forsyte Saga, is the most famous of all. There are three trilogies, Modern Comedy and End of the Chapter being the second and the third. The Forsyte 'Change was written as separate stories about the various characters and spans the time from migration of Jolyon Forsyte the original, referred to usually as Superior Dosset, the paterfamilias of the Forsytes, to London from border of Devon and Dorsetshire, onwards well into the time connecting it to the beginning of the second trilogy. The first two trilogies have interconnecting interludes between each of their two parts.
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The Forsyte Saga:-
The Forsyte Saga was not planned as such but developed over years with sequels coming naturally as they did, and human heart and passion and minds within settings of high society of a Victorian and post Victorian England - chiefly London - and its solid base in property.
When it was published it was revolutionary in the theme - a woman is not owned by her husband, and love is not a duty she owes but a bond that is very real however intangible, that cannot be faked.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008.
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A Modern Comedy:-
The second part of Forsyte Chronicles begins - with The White Monkey, first volume of the Modern Comedy - where the Forsyte Saga left off, with a six years gap that includes what was then called the great war and is now known as the first world war. The story here continues with Fleur at the centre and her father, Soames, close to her, with Jon and his mother Irene far away in US.
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The Silver Spoon:-
The Silver Spoon, the second volume of this trilogy, continues with Soames's defence of his daughter against her treacherous guest that he threw out of her home, and the defence of the case this guest brought against Fleur. Much is brought to light delicately as Galsworthy does in his expose of the society, their thoughts and morals and sensitivities and attempts to understand the time and the world they live in. This society is mostly those born with a silver spoon, and some of them deal with those in more perilous or dire circumstances - chiefly Michael Mont, Fleur's aristocratic husband with his quest to do good and to take on politics as a career in an honest way - while others are less caring about those in lesser circumstances, whether honestly as Fleur is or otherwise.
Michael attempts to help various people who appeal to him in his various capacities, and has mixed results in return, some success and some not quite so much. One couple he helped before his political career began managed to stay together despite delicate problems to negotiate and even managed to migrate to a better climate in Australia, but is not as immediately well off as they thought. Another is a disaster partly, with a third doing all right.
Fleur is unable to face her loss of face in society post winning the case brought against her by a badly behaved guest, and is taken for a long travel around the world by a caring and concerned father who would do anything for her. He has tried to stop the case from getting to court by offering to pay, but the intractable stupidity of the aristocratic guest who demands an unqualified apology along with a hefty payment (she needs the money to pay her bills) makes it necessary he defend his daughter and he does so only too successfully, with the prosecuting Marjorie Ferrar losing her rich aristocrat fiance and her newly found status along with her newly announced engagement, but not her place in society!
Monday, August 12, 2013.
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One of the major beautiful things about Forsyte Chronicles - all three trilogies, but the first and third in particular - is the love of the author for beauty of England in general and countryside, nature in particular. Very lyrical. The other, more subtle, is the depiction of society in general, upper middle class of English society in particular and the times they lived in in the background, empire on distant horizon until the third trilogy where it is still in background but a bit less distant.
The society changes from the first to the third trilogy but not radically, and in this the author is successful in portrayal of how things might seem radically different superficially but are closer to where progress began, and progress being slow in steps that various people pay heftily during their lives for.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013.
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This work developed over a lifetime and began with a simple theme, that of individual's right to life and love, especially those of a woman. The first trilogy, Forsyte Saga, is the most famous of all. There are three trilogies, Modern Comedy and End of the Chapter being the second and the third. The Forsyte 'Change was written as separate stories about the various characters and spans the time from migration of Jolyon Forsyte the original, referred to usually as Superior Dosset, the paterfamilias of the Forsytes, to London from border of Devon and Dorsetshire, onwards well into the time connecting it to the beginning of the second trilogy. The first two trilogies have interconnecting interludes between each of their two parts.
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The Forsyte Saga:-
The Forsyte Saga was not planned as such but developed over years with sequels coming naturally as they did, and human heart and passion and minds within settings of high society of a Victorian and post Victorian England - chiefly London - and its solid base in property.
When it was published it was revolutionary in the theme - a woman is not owned by her husband, and love is not a duty she owes but a bond that is very real however intangible, that cannot be faked.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008.
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A Modern Comedy:-
The second part of Forsyte Chronicles begins - with The White Monkey, first volume of the Modern Comedy - where the Forsyte Saga left off, with a six years gap that includes what was then called the great war and is now known as the first world war. The story here continues with Fleur at the centre and her father, Soames, close to her, with Jon and his mother Irene far away in US.
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The Silver Spoon:-
The Silver Spoon, the second volume of this trilogy, continues with Soames's defence of his daughter against her treacherous guest that he threw out of her home, and the defence of the case this guest brought against Fleur. Much is brought to light delicately as Galsworthy does in his expose of the society, their thoughts and morals and sensitivities and attempts to understand the time and the world they live in. This society is mostly those born with a silver spoon, and some of them deal with those in more perilous or dire circumstances - chiefly Michael Mont, Fleur's aristocratic husband with his quest to do good and to take on politics as a career in an honest way - while others are less caring about those in lesser circumstances, whether honestly as Fleur is or otherwise.
Michael attempts to help various people who appeal to him in his various capacities, and has mixed results in return, some success and some not quite so much. One couple he helped before his political career began managed to stay together despite delicate problems to negotiate and even managed to migrate to a better climate in Australia, but is not as immediately well off as they thought. Another is a disaster partly, with a third doing all right.
Fleur is unable to face her loss of face in society post winning the case brought against her by a badly behaved guest, and is taken for a long travel around the world by a caring and concerned father who would do anything for her. He has tried to stop the case from getting to court by offering to pay, but the intractable stupidity of the aristocratic guest who demands an unqualified apology along with a hefty payment (she needs the money to pay her bills) makes it necessary he defend his daughter and he does so only too successfully, with the prosecuting Marjorie Ferrar losing her rich aristocrat fiance and her newly found status along with her newly announced engagement, but not her place in society!
Monday, August 12, 2013.
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One of the major beautiful things about Forsyte Chronicles - all three trilogies, but the first and third in particular - is the love of the author for beauty of England in general and countryside, nature in particular. Very lyrical. The other, more subtle, is the depiction of society in general, upper middle class of English society in particular and the times they lived in in the background, empire on distant horizon until the third trilogy where it is still in background but a bit less distant.
The society changes from the first to the third trilogy but not radically, and in this the author is successful in portrayal of how things might seem radically different superficially but are closer to where progress began, and progress being slow in steps that various people pay heftily during their lives for.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013.
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October 21, 2016
Galsworthy's questioning of English jazz age morality is again examined in this novel about libel and the contrast of personal and public morality. The interlude with the German actor seems rather beside the point, unless I have missed the point, but the championing the less fortunate is satisfying. Unfortunately happiness is difficult to come by for anyone. A bonus is the contrast of Fleur with a woman who mirrors her in certain ways, especially Fleur's past self. Glasowrthy is not a great stylist, but I do like his books.
September 29, 2018
Glasworthy returnes to discuss the issues of women in society - are they liberated or not?
What us a good reputation? What are morals? What kind of person is, really, a flapper.
And, in a way, this is also a book about men and their wars, even when women don't want them to fight.
And, as always in the Forsyte Saga the issue of class and privilege us wonderfully dealt with.
What us a good reputation? What are morals? What kind of person is, really, a flapper.
And, in a way, this is also a book about men and their wars, even when women don't want them to fight.
And, as always in the Forsyte Saga the issue of class and privilege us wonderfully dealt with.
November 2, 2018
This is only my least favorite of Galsworthy's books I've read so far. But it's almost certainly better than whatever you're reading lately. The politics from 1924 England are not so current anymore but the commentary on society seems so appropriate for today. And the author's insight into humanity is a wonder!
June 21, 2019
Como en el anterior libro de esta segunda trilogía (y entreactos), esta novela es sensiblemente inferior a la primera, perfecta y enorme saga de los Forsyte.
Posiblemente merecería 4,5 estrellas, pero la he disfrutado tanto, y Galsworthy escribe tan rematadamente bien, que una vez más redondeo al alza.
Y, para mí, es un redondeo bien merecido.
Posiblemente merecería 4,5 estrellas, pero la he disfrutado tanto, y Galsworthy escribe tan rematadamente bien, que una vez más redondeo al alza.
Y, para mí, es un redondeo bien merecido.
December 24, 2022
По-прежнему лучшая книга в мире (для меня все шесть романов - одна книга). Кажется, по-английски я єту часть раньше не читала. Вспоминаю, что с детства хотела узнать, как пишется фамилия миссис Ральф Ппинррин в оригинале. Да, так и пишется. Ppynrryn. А Гордость Гедонистов - Pet of the Panjoys.
Осталась только "Лебединая песня", самая грустная, грустнее даже, чем "Сдается внаем".
Осталась только "Лебединая песня", самая грустная, грустнее даже, чем "Сдается внаем".
June 10, 2024
Glasworthy describes the second three books of the Forsyte Saga as a comedy rather than a saga, and so it is--but also much more. Almost as an aside, it gives insights into Britain in 1926, making it seem almost as bleak as Britain to day. But he tells of the bleakness with a delicious light touch. After the horrors of the war just to be alive is enough.
April 15, 2022
La historia continúa, me ha parecido más político que los anteriores, basándose en las costumbres y la política de la época, pero en un corto espacio de tiempo. A descansar un poco de la saga y en nada el siguiente.
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