Aspects of the Novel

The recommendations in E. M. Forster's book is witty and insightful for modern authors and readers. Forster the author of A Passage to India Howards End and A Room with a View tackles the seven essential components of a novel: story people plot fantasy prophecy pattern and rhythm. He does it with vibrant language and quotes from well-known classics. He gives instances of writing from authors like Dickens and Austen in addition to defining and explaining concepts like round versus flat characters and why both are necessary for a good novel. In a significant book on writing Forster's distinctive commentary clarifies and amuses without veering into convoluted academic terminology.