Swan Song (Forsyte Saga) [Paperback]

John Galsworthy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2001 | Series: Forsyte Saga

The nine novels which make up The Forsyte Chronicles -- one of the most popular and enduring works of 20th century literature -- chronicle the ebbing social power of the commercial upper-middle class Forsyte family between 1886 and 1920. Galsworthy's masterly narrative examines not only their fortunes but also the wider developments within society, particularly the changing position of women. The author has drawn a fascinating and accurately detailed picture of the British propertied class.

Often incorrectly called The Forsyte Saga - the nine novel sequence properly known as The Forstye Chronicles contains three trilogies- of which the first trilogy is The Forsyte Saga (The Man of Property - In Chancery- To Let). The second trilogy- A Modern Comedy (The White Monkey- The Silver Spoon- Swan Song) is followed by the third and concluding trilogy- End of the Chapter (Maid in Waiting- Flowering Wilderness- One More River).

Michael Mont is succeeding in his public life in Parliament, but holds grave doubts about his private life and his wife, Fleur. Fleur's original love, Jon Forsyte, her cousin and the son of her father's ex-wife, returns to England where a meeting is inevitable. Fleur's undying love for Jon is disclosed. Other members of the Forsyte family are included in this imminently readable saga.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Galsworthy (1867-1933) devoted virtually his entire professional career to creating a fictional but entirely representative family of propertied Victorians- the Forsytes. He made their lives and times- loves and losses- fortunes and deaths so real that readers accused him of including as characters in his drama real individuals whom they knew. He was the and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1932. Galsworthy died on January 31, 1933. During his career Galsworthy produced 20 novels, 27 plays, 3 collections of poetry, 173 short stories, 5 collections of essays, 700 letters, and many sketches and miscellaneous works.

Product Details

• Paperback: 372 pages
• Publisher: Fredonia Books (NL) (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589634195
• ISBN-13: 978-1589634190
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,494,316 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving conclusion to A Modern Comedy., October 25, 2004

By 

frumiousb "frumiousb" (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Swan Song (Forsyte Saga) (Paperback)

Jon has returned to England. His return brings an end to the peace of mind of Fleur and Michael. Jon may have moved on and fallen in love again with Ann, but Fleur has never loved everyone but Jon.

Swan Song has many of the usual Forsyte book tropes-- commentary on modern life offered through the observations of old men; June introducing us to the latest artistic schools; Forsyte paralysis when faced with the unblinking desire to do the wrong thing. As with the five books preceding this, it is all wonderfully well written. Michael and Fleur encountering people doing the Charleston is a particularly charming moment.

Swan Song is so powerful partly because of the mixed emotions it has about Fleur. While Galsworthy gamely soldiers on to complete the cycle of doom begun by Soames and Irene, it is evident that he has a great deal of sympathy for Fleur. This installment shows her at her best as well as showing her at her worst. She is the swan of the book, singing her loveliest song. A worthy ending to the second Forsyte trilogy and a very readable instalment in this underappreciated series.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars continued disappointment, March 14, 2007

By 

Pauline B. Larach "Pauline Jane Brown Larach" (Brandon, Fl.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swan Song (The Forsyte Saga: a Modern Comedy) (Paperback)

The author puts forth a "New view' and changes his story characters so then I didn't get my wish of 'how I would have hoped Soalme's d. turned out.'