by Edward M. Forster
About this book
Edward M. Forster's Where Angels Fear to Tread is a witty exploration of passion, propriety, and the clash between English respectability and Italian spontaneity. When widow Lilia Herriton embarks on a journey to Tuscany with her young companion Caroline Abbott, she discovers far more than the artistic treasures of Italy—she finds love. Against her family's fierce disapproval, Lilia marries a charming but unsuitable Italian man and becomes pregnant with his child. Her death in childbirth sets off a chain of events that brings the stuffy Herriton family to the Italian countryside, determined to reclaim her infant son and raise him as a proper Englishman.
This elegant novella masterfully weaves humor and social commentary through the collision of two cultures and the universal tension between duty and desire. Forster's sharp observations about class, morality, and the limitations of English convention create a richly entertaining narrative that remains startlingly relevant. The author's trademark wit shines as he examines how his characters' rigid beliefs are challenged by their encounters with authentic human emotion and Italian vitality.
Perfect for listeners who appreciate character-driven historical fiction with layers of irony and insight, Where Angels Fear to Tread offers both delightful entertainment and thoughtful reflection on what truly matters in life. Forster's compelling exploration of family loyalty, individual freedom, and redemption makes this timeless classic an unmissable listen.
