Customer Reviews

Swan Song (The Forsyte Saga: a Modern Comedy)

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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.

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.'