John Galsworthy

John Galsworthy was an English novelist and playwright, known for his portrayal of the British upper middle class and for his social satire. He is best remembered for 'The Forsyte Saga,' a series of novels and short stories chronicling the lives of an affluent family over several generations. Galsworthy was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Forsyte Saga

    "The Forsyte Saga" is a series of three novels and two interludes that chronicle the lives of a wealthy, upper-middle-class family in England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The saga explores themes of social class, wealth, love, and the changing societal norms of the time, with a particular focus on the character of Soames Forsyte and his obsessive desire to possess both people and things. The narrative provides a detailed examination of the family's fortunes, misfortunes, and intricate relationships, offering a critique of the materialistic culture of the era.

  2. 2. Fraternity

    This narrative delves into the complexities of early 20th-century English society, exploring themes of social inequality, love, and the intricate dynamics within a bourgeois family. Set against the backdrop of London, it juxtaposes the lives of the wealthy and the impoverished, focusing on the interactions between members of an affluent family and their contrasting attitudes towards the less fortunate. The story critically examines the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, highlighting the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. Through its detailed portrayal of family relationships and social issues, the novel offers a poignant critique of the class disparities and social injustices of its time.

  3. 3. In Chancery

    "In Chancery" is the second novel in a series that explores the lives of an upper-middle-class British family, the Forsytes. The story focuses on the marital discord between Soames and Irene Forsyte, their subsequent divorce, and the impact of their separation on the family. It also introduces the character of Jon Forsyte, the son of Soames and his second wife Annette, setting the stage for the conflicts and drama that will unfold in the subsequent novels. The novel is a poignant examination of the societal norms and expectations of the time, particularly in relation to marriage, divorce, and family honor.

  4. 4. To Let

    "To Let" is the final novel in a trilogy that explores the lives of the Forsyte family, a wealthy and influential clan in London. In this installment, the focus shifts to the next generation, specifically the love story between Fleur Forsyte and Jon Forsyte. Their relationship is complicated by their families' bitter past and a long-standing feud. The narrative explores themes of love, family, societal expectations, and the lingering effects of past conflicts.

  5. 5. The Man of Property

    "The Man of Property" is a novel set in the late 19th century England, focusing on the wealthy Forsyte family. The story revolves around Soames Forsyte, a successful solicitor who views everything, including his beautiful wife Irene, as property. His possessiveness and inability to comprehend love and passion lead to a marital crisis and a scandal within the family. The novel explores themes of wealth, social status, love, and the concept of property, offering a critique of the materialistic upper-middle-class society of the time.

  6. 6. Awakening

    "Awakening" is a novella that tells the story of a young man named Jon who is coming of age and grappling with his feelings for a woman named Fleur. Despite the fact that their families have a long-standing feud, Jon and Fleur are drawn to each other, leading to a complex and emotional love story. The narrative explores themes of love, familial duty, and societal expectations in a changing world.

  7. 7. Indian Summer of a Forsyte

    "Indian Summer of a Forsyte" is a continuation of the Forsyte Saga, a series that explores the lives of an upper-middle-class English family. The story focuses on the patriarch Soames Forsyte, who is struggling to accept the dissolution of his marriage and his unrequited love for his ex-wife Irene. His obsession with her continues to haunt him, and he is unable to move on. The narrative provides a detailed examination of the social and moral values of the Victorian era, highlighting the emotional and psychological complexities of the characters.