Listen free for 30 days
-
Maurice
- Narrated by: Peter Firth
- Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Classics
People who bought this also bought...
-
Swimming in the Dark
- By: Tomasz Jedrowski
- Narrated by: Robert Nairne
- Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Poland, 1980. Anxious, disillusioned Ludwik Glowacki, soon to graduate university, has been sent along with the rest of his class to an agricultural camp. Here he meets Janusz - and together, they spend a dreamlike summer swimming in secluded lakes, reading forbidden books - and falling in love. But with summer over, the two are sent back to Warsaw, and to the harsh realities of life under the Party. Exiled from paradise, Ludwik and Janusz must decide how they will survive; and in their different choices, find themselves torn apart.
-
-
A wonderful book
- By emrys on 11-06-20
-
The Painted Veil
- By: W. Somerset Maugham
- Narrated by: Sophie Ward
- Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the story of Kitty Fane, the adulterous wife of a bacteriologist stationed in Hong Kong. When her husband discovers her deception, he exacts a terrible vengeance: Kitty must accompany him to the heart of a cholera epidemic in China.
-
-
The Painted Veil
- By Juliet on 20-08-08
-
The Persian Boy
- A Novel of Alexander the Great
- By: Mary Renault
- Narrated by: Roger May
- Length: 19 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Persian Boy traces the last years of Alexander's life through the eyes of his lover, Bagoas. Abducted and gelded as a boy, Bagoas is sold as a courtesan to King Darius of Persia, but finds freedom with Alexander the Great after the Macedon army conquers his homeland. Their relationship sustains Alexander as he weathers assassination plots, the demands of two foreign wives, a sometimes mutinous army, and his own ferocious temper.
-
-
History fleshed out.
- By bibliophile on 05-08-16
-
A Room with a View
- By: E. M. Forster
- Narrated by: Joanna David
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The story of a young and affluent middle-class girl, Lucy Honeychurch is wooed by George Emerson and Cecil Vyse whilst vacationing in Italy. Though attracted to George, Lucy becomes engaged to Cecil despite twice turning down his proposals. On hearing of the news, George confesses his love, leaving Lucy torn between marrying the more socially acceptable Cecil, or George, the man she knows would bring her true happiness.
-
-
Quite beautiful
- By M. Lindley-Thompson on 18-02-18
-
The Swimming Pool Library
- By: Alan Hollinghurst
- Narrated by: Samuel West
- Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This novel centres on the friendship of William Beckwith, a young gay aristocrat who leads a life of privilege and promiscuity, and the elderly Lord Nantwich, who is searching for someone to write his biography.
-
-
Gay lit. of the highest order
- By common reader on 14-01-09
-
A Passage to India
- By: E. M. Forster
- Narrated by: Sam Dastor
- Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dr. Aziz is a young Muslim physician in the British Indian town of Chandrapore. One evening he comes across an English woman, Mrs. Moore, in the courtyard of a local mosque; she and her younger travelling companion Adela are disappointed by claustrophobic British colonial culture and wish to see something of the 'real' India. But when Aziz kindly offers to take them on a tour of the Marabar caves with his close friend Cyril Fielding, the trip results in a shocking accusation....
-
-
Wonderful masterpiece
- By L. McCulloch on 27-04-17
-
Swimming in the Dark
- By: Tomasz Jedrowski
- Narrated by: Robert Nairne
- Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Poland, 1980. Anxious, disillusioned Ludwik Glowacki, soon to graduate university, has been sent along with the rest of his class to an agricultural camp. Here he meets Janusz - and together, they spend a dreamlike summer swimming in secluded lakes, reading forbidden books - and falling in love. But with summer over, the two are sent back to Warsaw, and to the harsh realities of life under the Party. Exiled from paradise, Ludwik and Janusz must decide how they will survive; and in their different choices, find themselves torn apart.
-
-
A wonderful book
- By emrys on 11-06-20
-
The Painted Veil
- By: W. Somerset Maugham
- Narrated by: Sophie Ward
- Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the story of Kitty Fane, the adulterous wife of a bacteriologist stationed in Hong Kong. When her husband discovers her deception, he exacts a terrible vengeance: Kitty must accompany him to the heart of a cholera epidemic in China.
-
-
The Painted Veil
- By Juliet on 20-08-08
-
The Persian Boy
- A Novel of Alexander the Great
- By: Mary Renault
- Narrated by: Roger May
- Length: 19 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Persian Boy traces the last years of Alexander's life through the eyes of his lover, Bagoas. Abducted and gelded as a boy, Bagoas is sold as a courtesan to King Darius of Persia, but finds freedom with Alexander the Great after the Macedon army conquers his homeland. Their relationship sustains Alexander as he weathers assassination plots, the demands of two foreign wives, a sometimes mutinous army, and his own ferocious temper.
-
-
History fleshed out.
- By bibliophile on 05-08-16
-
A Room with a View
- By: E. M. Forster
- Narrated by: Joanna David
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The story of a young and affluent middle-class girl, Lucy Honeychurch is wooed by George Emerson and Cecil Vyse whilst vacationing in Italy. Though attracted to George, Lucy becomes engaged to Cecil despite twice turning down his proposals. On hearing of the news, George confesses his love, leaving Lucy torn between marrying the more socially acceptable Cecil, or George, the man she knows would bring her true happiness.
-
-
Quite beautiful
- By M. Lindley-Thompson on 18-02-18
-
The Swimming Pool Library
- By: Alan Hollinghurst
- Narrated by: Samuel West
- Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This novel centres on the friendship of William Beckwith, a young gay aristocrat who leads a life of privilege and promiscuity, and the elderly Lord Nantwich, who is searching for someone to write his biography.
-
-
Gay lit. of the highest order
- By common reader on 14-01-09
-
A Passage to India
- By: E. M. Forster
- Narrated by: Sam Dastor
- Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dr. Aziz is a young Muslim physician in the British Indian town of Chandrapore. One evening he comes across an English woman, Mrs. Moore, in the courtyard of a local mosque; she and her younger travelling companion Adela are disappointed by claustrophobic British colonial culture and wish to see something of the 'real' India. But when Aziz kindly offers to take them on a tour of the Marabar caves with his close friend Cyril Fielding, the trip results in a shocking accusation....
-
-
Wonderful masterpiece
- By L. McCulloch on 27-04-17
-
The Well of Loneliness
- By: Radclyffe Hall
- Narrated by: Ell Potter
- Length: 18 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After publication in 1928, it was banned for obscenity before going on to become an international best seller. It tells the story of Stephen Gordon, an Englishwoman from an upper-class family who is ostracised for falling in love with another woman, Mary Llewellyn. Groundbreaking in its day, Radclyffe Hall’s novel ultimately makes a very clear plea in regards to homosexuality: 'Give us also the right to our existence'.
-
-
Masterpieces
- By Sky ;) on 28-07-20
-
The Charioteer
- By: Mary Renault
- Narrated by: Joe Jameson
- Length: 14 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After surviving the Dunkirk retreat, Laurie Odell, a young homosexual, critically examines his unorthodox lifestyle and personal relationships, as he falls in love with a young conscientious objector and becomes involved with a circle of world-weary gay men.
-
-
Magnificent story magnificently narrated
- By JBo on 22-07-16
-
Pinned
- By: Maris Black
- Narrated by: Chris Patton
- Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On his first day of college, all Jeremy Miller can think about is getting away from his hellish home life, making the wrestling team, and finally getting a real boyfriend. He's sick to death of being used by closeted football players who are too afraid to admit they like guys. What he doesn't count on is losing his mind over the gorgeous, golden-eyed wrestling captain who needs to keep their attraction a secret at all costs.
-
Rabbit, Run
- By: John Updike
- Narrated by: William Hope
- Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's 1959, and Harry 'Rabbit' Angstrom, one-time high school sports superstar, is going nowhere. At twenty-six he is trapped in a second-rate existence - stuck with a fragile, alcoholic wife, a house full of overflowing ashtrays and discarded glasses, a young son and a futile job. With no way to fix things, he resolves to flee from his family and his home in Pennsylvania, beginning a thousand-mile journey that he hopes will free him from his mediocre life.
-
-
"Glory Days"
- By DT on 24-10-15
-
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
- By: Thomas Hardy
- Narrated by: Peter Firth
- Length: 14 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When John Durbeyfield discovers a family connection to the ancient Norman family, the D'Urbervilles, the fate of daughter Tess is transformed. Sent by her ambitious parents to visit her wealthy D'Urberville cousins, Tess attracts the attention of the unscrupulous Alec. Seduced and discarded by him and alone in the world, she finds work as a milkmaid and the love of Angel Clare. Yet his love cannot accept the truth about Tess's past.
-
-
Amazing, loved now and no longer hated ☺
- By Dawn on 13-03-15
-
Lie with Me
- By: Philippe Besson, Molly Ringwald
- Narrated by: Jacques Roy
- Length: 3 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Just outside a hotel in Bordeaux, Philippe, a famous writer, chances upon a young man who bears a striking resemblance to his first love. What follows is a look back to Philippe's teenage years, to a winter morning in 1984, a small French high school, and a carefully timed encounter between two 17-year-olds. It's the start of a secret, intensely passionate, world-altering love affair between Philippe and his classmate, Thomas.
-
-
beautiful...
- By Oscar Amarille on 17-11-20
-
The End of the Affair
- By: Graham Greene
- Narrated by: Colin Firth
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Audie Award Winner, Audiobook of the Year, 2013. Audie Award Nominee, Best Solo Narration, 2013. Graham Greene’s evocative analysis of the love of self, the love of another, and the love of God is an English classic that has been translated for the stage, the screen, and even the opera house. Academy Award-winning actor Colin Firth (The King's Speech, A Single Man) turns in an authentic and stirring performance for this distinguished audio release.
-
-
Depressing story but beautifully performed
- By Dr on 31-10-16
-
Thérèse Raquin
- By: Emile Zola
- Narrated by: Kate Winslet
- Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Once upon a time, a teenaged Kate Winslet (The Reader, Titanic, Revolutionary Road) received a gift that would leave a lasting impression: a copy of Emile Zola’s classic Thérèse Raquin. Six Academy Award nominations and one Best Actress award later, she steps behind the microphone to perform this haunting classic of passion and disaster.
-
-
gripping and vivid
- By Rebecca on 08-04-12
-
Every Day Is Mother's Day
- By: Hilary Mantel
- Narrated by: Sandra Duncan
- Length: 8 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Evelyn and Muriel Axon, mother and daughter, lead a haunted existence. Objects of horror to their neighbours, they evade or terrorise any social worker who crosses their path. Inside their house, they pursue a covert persecution of each other, shrinking from the unseen occupants of their spare room. But change is in the air… Every Day is Mother's Day is a merciless comedy of colliding lives: of sex, death, madness, adultery and the social services.
-
-
Funny and thought provoking
- By Keith D. Brown on 03-07-15
-
Howards End
- By: E M Forster
- Narrated by: Edward Petherbridge
- Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Howards End is the story of the liberal Schlegel sisters and their struggle to come to terms with social class and their German heritage in Edwardian England. Their lives are intertwined with those of the wealthy and pragmatic Wilcox family and their country house, Howards End, as well as the lower-middle-class Basts. When Helen Schlegel and Paul Wilcox's brief romance ends badly the Schlegels hope to never see the Wilcoxes again.
-
-
A very Edwardian reading!
- By sora on 23-06-14
-
The Magic Mountain
- By: Thomas Mann
- Narrated by: David Rintoul
- Length: 37 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hans Castorp is, on the face of it, an ordinary man in his early 20s, on course to start a career in ship engineering in his home town of Hamburg, when he decides to travel to the Berghof Santatorium in Davos. The year is 1912 and an oblivious world is on the brink of war. Castorp’s friend Joachim Ziemssen is taking the cure and a three-week visit seems a perfect break before work begins. But when Castorp arrives he is surprised to find an established community of patients, and little by little, he gets drawn into the closeted life and the individual personalities of the residents.
-
-
Paint dries before the war.
- By Richard on 11-08-20
-
The Mill on the Floss
- By: George Eliot
- Narrated by: Eileen Atkins
- Length: 19 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
'If life had no love in it, what else was there for Maggie?' The Mill on the Floss, first published in 1860, is considered one of George Eliot's most autobiographical works. Having formed a complex bond with her own family, George Eliot, now known to the public as Mary Ann Evans, depicts the loving yet volatile relationship between the Tulliver siblings and their doting father. Spanning over a period of 10 years, The Mill on the Floss follows the coming of age of the beautiful and idealistic Maggie.
-
-
Just Beautiful
- By Anonymous User on 04-11-18
Summary
Exclusively from Audible
'Ah for darkness...not the darkness of a house which coops up a man among furniture, but the darkness where he can be free!'
Maurice Hall knows he must choose between living life in the shadows or denying himself a chance at love and fulfilment. Aware of his attraction to the same sex, in a time where it was considered unlawful and immoral to have homosexual desires, Maurice must decide whether to battle or submit to a prejudiced 20th-century English society.
A passionate and poignant tale, E.M. Forster's Maurice was a masterpiece ahead of its time. Incapable of believing that his contemporaries would accept its content, Forster refused to publish it, fearing that it would expose his sexuality along with his hero's.
Having witnessed, at 16, the very public trial and chastisement of Oscar Wilde, Forster grew up with an acute awareness of the kind of society he inhabited. This affected him immensely and, as such, he refused to publish any further fiction during the last 37 years of his life. Despite being one of the most celebrated authors of British history, Forster's talents were as constrained as his love life. Realising that he could never publically talk or write about the issues he held close to his heart, Forster made A Passage to India his last work.
He wasn't mistaken about his society, and when Maurice was published, posthumously, many were scandalised by the controversial content.
Unfortunately, Forster never experienced the freedom which his protagonist seeks, but Maurice has far outlived an age of bigotry and is now widely celebrated and critically acclaimed.
Narrator Biography
Having started his career as a leading child actor, Peter Firth received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in Peter Shaffer's play Equus (1973) at only 21. He later starred with Richard Burton in its film adaption, earning him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination. His other film work has included roles in Pearl Harbor (2001) and The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005).
He is best known for his role as Sir Harry Pearce in the BBC show Spooks (2002-2011), appearing in every episode of the show's 10 series. Recent roles have included Jacob Marley in the BBC's Dickensian series (2015) and Ernest Augustus in ITV's drama series Victoria (2016).
He has narrated several audiobooks such as Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Birdsong and Witness. In 2015, Peter starred in Audible's multicast drama Amok.
More from the same
Narrator
What listeners say about Maurice
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Petrus
- 12-07-15
Forster at his best
Profound love story, beautifully written and deeply satisfying. Excellent narration with brilliant characterisation. Highly recommended.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Culwen
- 23-09-16
Good classic by EM Forster
I enjoyed the story. It has an air of innocence while being subtly gentle and calm about the characters dealings of homosexuality. It paints a good picture of ideologies of a certain class and time and how men would have dealt with it.
I liked the narrating of variable accents and voices that kept different characters clear.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 02-03-20
fantastic
a wonderful reading of a wonderful book. this would benefit many a man to hear
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- emrys
- 25-07-19
An illuminating read.
A brilliantly written book. The subject matter can still be difficult still today - but I found myself becoming angry at a society that could cause such difficulties. My sympathy was almost entirely with Maurice.
As you would expect from this author, the writing is exemplary. Without doubt, I shall now endeavor to read othe books by this author.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- A. Simmonds
- 12-06-19
Expressive, sensitive reading
Sensitively read by a good narrator, this is a lovely version of one of my favourite books.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
- Natalie
- 10-12-12
Important Text...Badly Delivered
I understand the importance of this text, as a piece of LGBT literature, and I'm usually a fan of E.M. Forster's work (being most familiar with Howards End). I found the part of this I listened to incredibly monotonous and dry, and was disappointed. I think I'll try reading the book instead.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Laura Bennewith
- 30-07-20
Beautiful
Still the most beautiful love story I've ever read and tenderly narrated. My only sadness is the epilogue with them living in the woods isn't included
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Spiky Potplant
- 25-07-20
Moving story from a different era
A moving and gentle story about homosexuality, suppression and respectability. It’s all terribly English and restrained.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 10-04-20
subtle and beautiful
Beautiful insight into complex emotions, gay love and desire at a time when it was unlawful, and into Britisg class and etiquette.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rebecca
- 24-06-19
Hard to follow
Struggled to finish. Voice is too monotone and makes story difficult to take in, felt it washed over me.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Christopher P.
- 18-11-10
Finally!!! It's past time!
I had an old recording of Maurice on cassette many years ago and adored it. Finally, this intelligent and moving novel is available again at Audible, and I couldn't be more satisfied with this new recording.
Maurice is a very literate and thoroughly enjoyable novel concerning same-sex love among an intolerant and hypocritical society. The rather poetic descriptions of Maurice's inner life as he stumbles about in self-discovery are just as accurate and appropriate today as ever.
The scathing humor in Forster's more famous novels is properly not as apparent in Maurice, as its subject matter was obviously a more personal one for the author. The fact that the book wasn't published until after Forster's death lends a definite eloquence to the story. During his lifetime, the novel was shared only among his closest friends.
Peter Firth, a great actor, gives a measured performance that is perfectly suited to Forster's style. The romantic aspect of the story is that much more powerful because the narration is restrained. Forster is so honest and matter-of-fact, purposely dry because his subject is so very affecting.
50 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- VampSlayer0
- 13-11-14
Superb!
"Maurice" was not quite what I expected. From the start, however, one feels how important this novel is. It's unfortunate that this work is rather obscure. I believe it should be read by everyone as a way of looking at homosexuality with the intent to see it as normalcy for those with no choice in what they feel. Mr. Forster understood this and wanted to bring this knowledge to a world that was not, and in some ways is still not, ready for it. Maurice himself spends a great part of his time loathing himself for the things he feels yet is in a state of bewilderment because he can't conceive of feeling any other way. He wants desperately to love and be loved. As a result, he brings himself misery while thinking he'll never be worthy of the emotion. In the process, his unhappiness spreads into his surrounding world, effecting his everyday life.
Peter Firth's narration was spot on--a perfect voice for the plot of the book, which was superbly written. It's a novel I will certainly listen to again for it gave me a great deal to think about. The deeply human characters, especially Maurice and Alec, are perfect catalysts to show the reader/listener, without judgement, that everyone has a right to happiness and love, and, when it comes to tolerance, what a long, long way society has come.
17 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Em
- 20-08-13
A Classic Love Story [+ Warning: SPOILER ALERT!]
In the wake of the recent overturn of DOMA and Prop 8, I occasionally came across articles and social media posts referencing one of E.M. Forster’s lesser-known classics, Maurice. Having never read or listened to it before I thought this was an appropriate time to pick it up.
Due to the fact that that homosexuality was illegal in England for much of Forster’s life – and that Forster himself was a closeted gay man – the author requested that the novel not be published until his death. But the themes and subject matter may be the least shocking thing about Maurice (especially to contemporary ears). And indeed, as is often noted by Maurice’s first love, Clive Durham, the Greeks wrote about homosexual love quite rapturously. No, the most intriguing thing about Maurice – and here is the spoiler alert – is that this story has a happy ending. One is so prepared to expect tragedy from such a premise. But the fact that Forster could imagine two men finding happiness, if not societal acceptance, in pre-WW1 Britain, was remarkably forward thinking for his time. However the two men have to literally disappear into the ether, and the story ends that way - with a true vanishing - giving one the sense that Forster was unable to conjure up a viable realistic circumstance in which a relationship such as this could flourish. But he writes with such exhilaration for a possible future that Maurice ultimately serves as a hopeful and wonderful last testament from the grave.
Peter Firth’s reading is elegant, and perfectly captures the various levels of social strata through which Maurice travels, lending credence to the impossibility of the situation that a modern reader might struggle to grasp otherwise. He illuminates the desperation and anxiety with which Maurice faces his predicament and his clarity of tone helps the listener hear and feel the story beneath some of the heavier, more intellectual monologues that Forster peppers throughout. This definitely falls into my list of classics that are better heard than read.
37 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Bryan
- 09-04-13
Worth the read if you like historical gay fiction!
Would you listen to Maurice again? Why?
I will listen to this book again. The performance was really good and I enjoy good gay fiction that isn't heavy on the sex. In this book intimacy is mentioned without sounding vulgar.
Who was your favorite character and why?
As much as I liked Maurice because he reminded me of myself, I like Alec and his part of the story. Alec really took the story to a new level.
Which scene was your favorite?
I loved the meeting at the museum between Maurice and Alec. I found myself getting anxious and emotional from about this point on in the story.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I would have loved to have taken half a day to listen to the story all at once. If I had been reading the words myself, I might have read all in one sitting. As it was, I enjoyed the performance and wish it was longer.
Any additional comments?
If you like gay fiction and television series like Upstairs Downstairs, you will enjoy this book!
18 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jeffrey
- 17-09-11
Decidedly wonderful!
First off, one has to be a fan of Forster, that's easy. I came about him through the movies made from his writings. I loved the movie Maurice, that is until I listened to Peter's narration of the original. Suddenly the movie treatment was horrid. They manipulated the movie to suit their media as movie-makers often do. The book was far better than the movie, more insightful. The ending left me speechless and hopeful that Forster might have written a sequel. I so did wish to know how Mr. Hall and Mr. Scudder got along later in life. Of course there is no such book, sadly. Anyway, have a listen to this. You won't be disappointed!
24 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ron L. Caldwell
- 14-05-15
One for the ages
A beautiful book, performed stunningly by Peter Firth. This novel was written early in the 20th century, but not published until after the author's death. Forster is a master storyteller, and Maurice contains all the seeds of the author's genius. It is a book about gay men, yes; but it is also a book about society, psychology, and love. I highly recommend it. The Merchant-Ivory film of the novel is quite good, too.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- ChrisW
- 27-02-15
I love it
If you could sum up Maurice in three words, what would they be?
What a wonderful story. EM Forster!!
What did you like best about this story?
The deepth of feeling and description of what the character is thinking and feeling.
I have read this book so many times I cannot count.
What does Peter Firth bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Fabulous. The characters are brought to life.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I love it. It make me cry every time.
Any additional comments?
Buy it - keep it. Consider referring to this story for relationship advice. It's wonderful!
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- RB
- 17-09-12
Maurice - A must for lovers of classic fiction
Maurice is the intimate story of one man's coming to terms with his sexuality and his desires contrasted by his struggles of living in a suppressive culture and the binding social expectations set by class standards. Bold by the standards of the time that it was written, I found Maurice to be both sad and beautiful. Sad because of the frustration of defeat and the ensuing heartbreak Maurice endures. But beautiful because of the hope and determination that rises from the courage Maurice finds to live his life fulfilled as his heart commands. Peter Firth's narration is really very good; his voice is cultured and rich and he has the emotional power to carry the story to the end. I know that I will listen to Maurice again and again, it's that good.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Keith
- 07-09-10
A Classic Comes To Life
Normally, I shy away from the classics on audio since many of those who read them are boring. Peter Firth brought this book to life for me and I would highly recommend it to anyone. If you loved the movie, you will thoroughly enjoy the audio book.
15 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Lionel
- 01-08-16
Thanks, E. M. Forster
Fascinating and beautiful. Frank portrayal of homosexuals in a "Downton Abbey"like setting. The psychologies of these characters are marvelously portrayed. While I love the movie, the novel gives you insight into the point of view of Clive and Scudder. The movie portrays Maurice's point of view primarily. I have read this book twice. It was wonderful to listen to Peter Firth's interpretation. There is a very sexy vibe even while honoring the chaste and dry British tone.
2 people found this helpful