A Passage to India – A Timeless Classic by E.M. Forster

“A Passage to India” by E.M. Forster is considered one of the most profound and enduring novels of the twentieth century. Originally published in 1924 and reprinted in this 1965 paperback edition, the novel continues to hold a mirror to the tensions, misunderstandings, and fragile human connections between the colonizer and the colonized during the British Raj in India.

Plot Summary

Set against the backdrop of the fictional city of Chandrapore during British rule, the novel follows Adela Quested and Mrs. Moore, two British women who travel to India in search of “the real India.” Their journey, guided by local schoolmaster Dr. Aziz and liberal British official Cyril Fielding, culminates in a fateful expedition to the mysterious Marabar Caves.

An alleged assault inside the caves sparks a seismic cultural and legal fallout, exposing the deep racial divisions, mistrust, and fragility of relationships between the British rulers and Indian subjects. The novel masterfully explores themes of colonialism, spirituality, friendship, and identity within a politically charged atmosphere.

Key Details

• Author: E.M. Forster
• Format: Paperback
• Publisher: Harcourt
• Edition Date: March 17, 1965
• Pages: Approx. 368
• ISBN: 9780156711425
• Language: English

Why Read “A Passage to India”?

E.M. Forster’s writing blends social critique with psychological insight, crafting a novel that is both intellectually rich and emotionally resonant. The book is hailed not only for its literary quality but also for its brave and unflinching portrayal of the intricacies of colonial society.

It’s a novel that raises questions such as: Can true friendship exist across a colonial divide? Is justice possible in an unjust system? And how do culture and environment shape human interaction?

Critical Reception

“A Passage to India” has been praised worldwide for its narrative depth and nuanced characterizations. It won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and was later adapted into an Academy Award–winning film in 1984, directed by David Lean. The novel remains part of the curriculum in universities across the globe, studied for its postcolonial themes and stylistic brilliance.

Perfect For:

• Fans of classic literature and historical fiction
• Students of postcolonial studies and English literature
• Readers interested in British-Indian cultural dynamics
• Collectors of Penguin Modern Classics

Whether you are reading it for literary appreciation, historical context, or cultural understanding, “A Passage to India” remains a vital and essential novel for all readers of serious fiction.

Order now to delve into one of the most powerful reflections on colonial India – A Passage to India by E.M. Forster.