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

by John Galsworthy

Chronicling the fortunes of the Forstye family in the early 20th Century, this epic BBC Radio drama is now available for the first time as a complete collection. Starring Jessica Raine and Joseph Millson.

Genres: Classics, Audiobook, Fiction

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.

[Cheng · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually liked this more than expected - thankfully it isn't The Gilded Age. I liked the first three quarters of the story but then just started to drag. The future generation characters just aren't as interesting or complex as the OG forsytes. The later books were also confusing when Fleur wasn't the only narrator. Still, this dramatization was a great way to get into the saga, and fun primer for the new Masterpiece show!

[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