Soames Forsyte is the Man of Property, and the property he owns is both his house at Robin Hill and his wife. Treating his wife (Irene) as property leads to misery for both. Bossiney, the architect of the new home, becomes the lover of Irene. Soames reasserts his marital rights by raping Irene. Bossiney commits suicide; Irene leaves Soames. What's interesting is that at various points one starts to have sympathy for Soames only to then have him reveal his nature again. Also, I was quite taken with Galsworthy's ability to describe nature. Memorable passages. ( )

I very much enjoyed this first book of the Forsyte Saga. It is very character driven and therefore interesting to anticipate decisions and actions that will be made, The psychology is carefully and gradually developed and the relationships between the characters intricately woven. I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of the architect with the property owner as the two main characters; it made for a good clash of personality at many levels. An enjoyable read - and although it leads to the sequel, it stands very well on its own. ( )

I'm on the fence about this one, namely because I felt such dislike for Irene and Bossinney. While I can appreciate the lovely writing and the endearing qualities of Old Jolyon, I find the novel to be a bit too precious. It leaves much to the imagination.

I thought that perhaps there was a character flaw on my part for feeling pity for Soames's plight. While he may see himself as the proud possessor of the beautiful Irene, and while she certainly cannot be just another piece of art, I feel that he did truly love Irene. Irene did not deserve so much love and feeling, and I imagine she knew this as well. Bossinney was despicable, and I can't figure out which one I loathe more. ( )

I felt I had to read this, an early modern classic as it is, but I wasn't inspired; to think that there is the rest of the trilogy to go, and *then* further novels is rather daunting! Galsworthy's style is lyrical and elaborate, fitting the Forsyte's era and his own, but I found the introspection to be over-indulgent. There were some thoughtful sentiments and beautiful descriptions, however: Swithin's walk across the park as 'the flight of some land bird across the sea'.

Whereas the author obviously loved his enigmatic heroine, as he did the model for Irene Forsyte, I didn't warm to her, or Bosinney, and my sympathy for Soames came to an abrupt close. In fact, the only likeable character for me was old Jolyon, and his tardy love of youth and beauty.

A fascinating study of middle-class England at the turn of the century, but perhaps too stolid to endure the entire saga! ( )