For fans of classics who wish for sequels by other authors, this book should probably be on the list. A companion/sequel to E.M. Forster's "Maurice," the story is now told from Alec's point of view. The first two sections cover the same territory as the original book, while the remainder takes the characters to about 1920.

Of the two parts, the second is significantly the better. Telling the story of Alec and Maurice as they slog through the First World War, the writing here really hits its stride. The first hundred pages, though, didn't sound right to me. Especially when compared to the exquisite composition of the original novel, now the characters sounded distractedly modern in tone rather than turn of the century. Particularly jarring was the overuse of the word "queer," at a time when "gay" would have been the more common term. Perhaps more unconvincing, after a full volume of Maurice's conflicted attitude toward his homosexuality, nary a wisp survives in this new story. Scudder is also retconed into a frustrated scholar, who nonetheless continues to write awkwardly phrased and misspelled notes. The incongruency is offputting. There's perhaps an unintended message in that it takes a world war to get the personalities convincingly structured.

I did enjoy the book, and it should be said that it was written with the permission of Forster's estate. It doesn't compare with the original, but is a solid if slow-starting response to the question, So what happened after Maurice found Scudder in the boathouse? (P.S.: Maurice never sees nor speaks to Clive again). ( )

Lovely, joyous, heart-rending, brilliant. Based on Forster, but just as reminiscent of Proust. If you’ve read Maurice, this is a true gift. ( )

Maurice by E.M. Forster is a literary classic, and Maurice and Alec are a beloved, iconic couple.
So I was ecstatic to learn of this sequel to the classic novel.
It was authorized by Forster's estate, so I knew the material would be treated with reverance.
This is primarily Alec's back story and then it gives us a retelling of their first
meeting and declarations of love.
It's a new world for our boys as they balance their love within the confines of the law and then the heartbreaking separation by the war.
It's a sexy, brilliant, heartfelt, beautifully written reimanging of a classic.
This is highly recommended, a must read for anyone who has ever wondered what happened to Maurice and his beloved "Scudder".
I loved it. ( )