4.0
Swan Song
ByPublisher Description
Set against the backdrop of a post–World War I Britain, now rocked by a general strike,
captures the staunch resilience—and ridiculousness—of the British upper middle class, who view this new national crisis as just a minor inconvenience. As the ever-so-steadfast Winifred Dartie says, "If they could get this little fuss over, the coming season would be most enjoyable."
Especially since Jon Forsyte and his American wife have visited from France. Though eager to pitch in to help his homeland, Jon never expects his return will have such an effect on his former love, Fleur Mont, now married to a member of Parliament and a mother. Even when the strike abates, their reunion sends ripples through their friends and family, including Fleur's father. He knows his daughter wants nothing more than what she doesn't have—and to save her from herself—he sets out to stay one step ahead of her duplicitous heart . . .
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesSwan Song Reviews
4.0
“Wow - what a way to conclude The Modern Comedy. The first two volumes were probably my least favourite in the series but this one has rocketed to the top spot. Forsyte, as we know by now, has a way of catching you off-guard at every opportunity and the end of this novel was no exception. There was drama, tension, and unexpected events at every turn. I couldn't read the pages fast enough, desperate to know the characters' fates and how the volume would ultimately conclude.
In this instalment, Jon and Fleur reunite for the first time since their teenage tryst. Fleur's feelings are unchanged and she makes it her purpose to steal Jon from his wife and claim back her prize possession. My feelings for Fleur were unchanged in this novel - she remained a spoilt, conniving, and selfish woman, ignorant of other people's feelings and always putting herself before those that love her. That said, I was very invested in the love square and couldn't wait to see how it would all pan out (or backfire in Fleur's case I hoped). Other themes in this novel include the general strike which sees Fleur running a canteen (and is where she first claps eyes on Jon), a fight to convert the slums headed up by Michael and his eclectic group of committee members, a petty thief from Val's school days, and a family history uncovered by Soames. Add to this is a huge event in the final few chapters and you have everything you need for a fast-moving finale.
Somehow over time, Galsworthy has turned my severe dislike for Soames into one of unwavering loyalty and compassion. The best thing about sagas is that you spend so much time with characters and watch them grow old/go through a range of transitions that shape them that your opinions can't help but change - this was me and Soames. He'll leave a lasting impression long after this series has ended.
I can't wait to read the final volume but at the same time, I'm not ready for it to end! Counting on Fleur getting some much-needed comeuppance.”
About John Galsworthy
John Galsworthy (1867–1933) was an English short story writer, novelist, and playwright whose work spanned the better part of four decades. Author of more than seventy books, Galsworthy is best remembered for the Forsyte Saga as well as its follow-up trilogies, a Modern Comedy and End of the Chapter. A tireless champion of women’s rights, prison reform, and free speech, Galsworthy turned down knighthood out of the belief that writing was a reward within itself. His works have often been adapted for television and film, and in 1932 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Other books by John Galsworthy
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