The Man of Property

The Man of Property by John Galsworthy published in 1906 is a rather difficult book. Not difficult to read, but difficult subject. Galsworthy penned a critique of his Victorian contemporaries and how they deal with adultery, domestic disputes, materialism and troubled marriages.

The Forsyte's are an upper-middle class family that is primarily concerned with appearance. In addition, they do not inquire or discuss family difficulties. Soames Forsyte is in a troubled marriage with his wife Irene. His selection of a bride was only partly for love, but mostly for appearance and property. This, of course, causes all kinds of problems as Soames attempts to control his wife. His wife turns to an architect for friendship and love. Property, possessions, and control are dominant themes of the book.

I am still wrapping my head around the story. Apparently, The Man of Property is the first of a series of books. The library only has the first, so I don't know if or when I will read the rest. Worth reading, but also a Victorian soap.

Book Rating: 3 stars