The Forsytes: The Complete Series: BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramatisation

by John Galsworthy

Jessica Raine stars in all four BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations of John Galsworthy's Forsyte novels.

An irresistible family saga of love, money and betrayal, The Forsytes: The Complete Series encompasses four acclaimed BBC Radio 4 productions of Galsworthy’s perennially popular epic, spanning 50 years from 1886 to 1936.

The Forsytes sees wealthy Soames Forsyte questioning his relationship with his beautiful wife Irene. As evidence of her betrayal emerges, the family is torn apart and scandal unleashed. In The Forsytes Continues, it is 1920 and Soames would do anything for his sparkling daughter, Fleur. But when she falls in love with the wrong man, how can he stop history repeating itself? The Forsytes Returns picks up Fleur’s story four years later, as she vows to put her past behind her and settle down. But those around her are intent on stirring up trouble. The Forsytes Concludes introduces young Dinny Cherrell, Fleur’s cousin. Unbeknown to both, their lives will be paralleled in ways neither could have predicted...

Starring Jessica Raine, with a cast including Joseph Millson, Juliet Aubrey, Jonathan Bailey, Ben Lambert and Sarah Ridgeway, this compelling drama delves behind the Edwardian façade to reveal Galsworthy's wonderful wit, observation and insight into human nature.

Duration: 17 hours

Genres: Classics, Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

Published January 1, 2018

About the author

Literary 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."

Reviews

[Shaneen Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This dramatic series of the lives and hardships of the Forsyte family through the generations gives a fascinating glimpse into the human heart. It speaks of broken hearts and broken vows and the ache of beauty and desire. While I didn't always (usually) agree with the characters, I did find myself becoming invested in their troubles, self-inflicted or not. It was also interesting to see the characters change and grow through the series (and not always remain horrible and selfish).
This was also a great dramatisation (BBC Radio 4 version), with a lot of excellent voice talent - a great series to listen to.

[Marcy Thomas]

DNF at 70%

I loved the first part that focuses on Irene and Soames’ marriage and her breaking free from his control, but the other instalments just weren’t as compelling. As much as Fleur was a flawed character, I just didn’t find her to be as compelling to listen to, nor her relationship with Jon.

[Preeti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dramatisation of a great saga - Galsworthy’s knowledge of the abundance and depth of human emotion is outstanding