Audiobooks by E.M. Forster

Margaret Forster: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Three Full-Cast Dramatisations including Georgy Girl

"A trio of novels by the award-winning author, dramatised with full casts for BBC Radio Carlisle-born author Margaret Forster wrote over 25 acclaimed novels, as well as numerous memoirs and biographies. She was best known for her classic Georgy Girl, a zeitgeist tale of Swinging Sixties London which was adapted as a hit film and inspired a chart-topping single by The Seekers. Featured here is a 2013 radio dramatisation, together with two compelling stories of family dynamics and female friendship. Georgy Girl – 1965. Twenty-seven-year-old Londoner Georgina ‘Georgy’ Parkin is sparky, funny and financially independent, but has never been asked out on a date, let alone kissed. She longs to meet someone, but when she falls in love with the charming, directionless Jos, complications arise… Starring Lucy Speed, Paul Ready, Stephen Critchlow and Philippa Stanton. Private Papers – When Rosemary finds her mother’s secret account of their family history hidden at the back of a drawer, she is outraged by what she reads – so she decides to add her own version of events… Spanning four decades, from the Second World War to the Falklands War, this insightful tale of mother/daughter relationships and differing perspectives stars Angela Pleasance and Nichola McAuliffe. Lady’s Maid – Arriving in London in 1844, shy Lily Wilson takes up a position as maid to the poet Elizabeth Barrett, and soon becomes her companion and confidante. Across the social barrier, both women learn much about friendship and the vicissitudes of love: and as their bond grows closer, Lily finds herself playing a vital role in Elizabeth’s elopement with Robert Browning…Starring Jane Whittenshaw and Kate Buffery. Cast and credits Written by Margaret Forster Georgy Girl Georgy – Lucy Speed Jos – Paul Ready James – Stephen Critchlow Meredith – Philippa Stanton Peg – Ella Smith Ted – Ben Crowe Doris – Joanna Brookes Dramatised by Rhiannon Tise Directed by Tracey Neale First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2-6 Sep 2013 Private Papers Penelope (mother) – Angela Pleasence Rosemary – Nichola McAuliffe Oliver – Simon Armstrong Grandmother Butler – June Barrie Mike – Oliver Ryan Celia – Jenny Funnell Jess – Gemma Kelly Emily – Jessica Lloyd Andrew Baylis – Brendan Charleson Daniel – Ben Sullivan Dramatised by Juliet Ace Directed by Tanya Nash First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24 Jan-4 Feb 2000 Lady’s Maid Lily Wilson – Jane Whittenshaw Elizabeth Barrett Browning – Kate Buffery Robert Browning – Julian Wadham Timothy – David Thorpe Ferdinando – Andrew Wincott Lizzie Crow – Linda Regan Mrs Robinson – Zulema Dene Sarah/Henrietta – Patience Tomlinson Tilly – Sandra James Young Landor – Geoffrey Whitehead Dramatised by Ed Thomason Directed by Cherry Cookson First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 Sep 1995 © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

E.M. Forster (Author), Angela Pleasence, Carolyn Bonnyman, Clare Corbett, Emma Rydal, Full Cast, Jane Whittenshaw, Jayne McKenna, Jenny Funnell, Kate Buffery, Lucy Speed, Paul Ready, Stephen Critchlow (Narrator)

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Apocalypse Then: 6 Early Tales of Humanities End

"Long before nuclear war, climate catastrophe, and zombie outbreaks became staples of modern fiction, visionary writers were imagining the end of civilization in startlingly original ways. Apocalypse Then brings together six pioneering classics of apocalyptic and cosmic horror literature, exploring humanity’s fragility in the face of plague, technology, alien forces, and the indifferent universe itself. In E.M. Forster’s prophetic The Machine Stops, humanity lives underground, utterly dependent on a vast technological system—until it begins to fail. Jack London’s The Scarlet Plague follows one of the last survivors of a devastating pandemic as he recounts the collapse of modern society. Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Poison Belt imagines Earth drifting through a deadly cosmic phenomenon that threatens all life. M.P. Shiel’s haunting The Purple Cloud presents a lone survivor wandering a silent, empty world after a mysterious global extinction event. H.P. Lovecraft’s The Dunwich Horror unleashes ancient cosmic terrors whose arrival could spell humanity’s doom. Finally, Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking The Last Man—often considered the first modern post-apocalyptic novel—chronicles the slow extinction of the human race through a relentless plague. Together, these remarkable works trace the origins of apocalypse fiction, revealing how earlier generations grappled with fears that remain strikingly relevant today. From scientific speculation and social collapse to cosmic dread and existential loneliness, Apocalypse Then offers a fascinating journey through some of the most influential visions of humanity’s end ever written. Contains: The Machine Stops — E.M. Forster The Scarlet Plague — Jack London The Poison Belt — Arthur Conan Doyle The Purple Cloud — M.P. Shiel The Dunwich Horror — H.P. Lovecraft The Last Man — Mary Shelley A collection of classic tales that helped define the end of the world."

E.M. Forster, H.P. Lovecraft, Jack London, M.P. Shiel, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Author), Graham Dunlop (Narrator)

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The Machine Stops

"A haunting vision of the future written in 1909, The Machine Stops follows Vashti and her son Kuno in a world where humanity has retreated underground, living in isolated pods entirely dependent on a vast, all-powerful Machine that fulfills every need — communication, food, ideas, comfort. When Kuno begins to question their total reliance on technology and longs to experience the Earth's surface, his mother dismisses him as dangerous and eccentric. But the Machine is beginning to fail. Eerily prescient, Forster's short story anticipates the internet, video calls, social media dependence, and the slow erosion of human connection — over a century before they existed. A must-listen for anyone who has ever wondered how much of ourselves we've surrendered to our screens."

E.M. Forster (Author), Graham Dunlop (Narrator)

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A Passage to India

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. In this hard-hitting novel, first published in 1924, the murky personal relationship between an Englishwoman and an Indian doctor mirrors the troubled politics of colonialism. Adela Quested and her fellow British travelers, eager to experience the 'real' India, develop a friendship with the urbane Dr. Aziz. While on a group outing, Adela and Dr. Aziz visit the Marabar caves together. As they emerge, Adela accuses the doctor of assaulting her. While Adela never actually claims she was raped, the decisions she makes ostracize her from both her countrymen and the natives, setting off a complex chain of events that forever changes the lives of all involved. This intense and moving story asks the listener serious questions about preconceptions regarding race, sex, religion, and truth. A political and philosophical masterpiece"

E.M. Forster (Author), Digital Voice Martin G (Narrator)

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Banned Books – A Picture of Dorian Gray + The Machine Stops

"Banned Books – A Picture of Dorian Gray + The Machine Stops unites two groundbreaking works that faced censorship, controversy, and cultural resistance for daring to challenge the values of their time. Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray and E.M. Forster’s The Machine Stops each confronted society with bold ideas about beauty, morality, technology, and human freedom — and both were suppressed, criticized, or restricted for their unsettling themes. In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde explores vanity, corruption, and the pursuit of pleasure through the haunting tale of a young man whose portrait bears the weight of his sins. The novel’s provocative undertones and moral ambiguity led to heavy censorship upon publication and later became evidence used against Wilde during his infamous trial. Its legacy as a challenged and condemned work remains central to its cultural impact. In The Machine Stops, Forster imagines a future society ruled by an all‑powerful technological system — a world where human connection has withered and independent thought is discouraged. Its anti‑authoritarian message and critique of technological dependence led to suppression under certain regimes and challenges in educational settings. Today, it stands as one of the most prophetic dystopian stories ever written. Together, these two works reveal why banned and challenged literature endures: it pushes boundaries, questions authority, and forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. Perfect for listeners who appreciate classic literature, dystopian fiction, philosophical storytelling, and culturally significant works that continue to spark debate."

E.M. Forster, Oscar Wilde (Author), Various (Narrator)

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The Machine Stops: Unabridged Science FIction Classic

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. A chilling, prescient novella of isolation and dependence, The Machine Stops imagines a future in which humanity lives underground, each person sustained and entertained by an all‑encompassing Machine. Direct human contact is rare; ideas, art, and even love are mediated through screens and mechanical conveniences. When Vashti, a devoted adherent, receives a plea from her son Kuno—who longs for the surface and questions the Machine’s authority—her faith is shaken. Forster traces the unraveling of a society that has surrendered bodily experience and critical thought to technology, exposing the fragility of comfort and the cost of relinquishing autonomy. Sparse, elegant, and unsettling, the story blends philosophical reflection with stark narrative tension, offering a timeless warning about the perils of technological complacency and the enduring human need for direct, unmediated life."

E.M. Forster (Author), Digital Voice Eleven Labs E (Narrator)

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A Room with a View

"Lucy Honeychurch is a zesty young English woman living in the confines of Edwardian Britain. Whilst travelling in Italy, she meets the quirky George Emerson, who opens her eyes and arouses conflicting feelings. E. M. Forster’s 1908 A Room with a View explores themes of class, societal expectations, and the transformative power of true love, culminating in Lucy’s choice to embrace her heart over tradition. The comedic story introduces a wealth of colorful characters such as outrageous spinsters, pompous clergymen, and outspoken patriots, all brought to life in this delightful audio version."

E.M. Forster (Author), Megan Green (Narrator)

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Aspects of the Novel

"First published in 1927, Aspects of the Novel by E. M. Forster remains one of the most influential works of literary criticism in the English language. Based on a series of lectures delivered at Cambridge University, Forster explores the essential elements that define the novel — story, people, plot, fantasy, prophecy, pattern, and rhythm. With wit, clarity, and intellectual warmth, Forster examines the craft of novelists from Jane Austen and Charles Dickens to Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, offering insights into what makes fiction come alive on the page. His timeless reflections challenge rigid forms of analysis, inviting readers and writers alike to approach the novel as both an art and an exploration of human experience. This classic guide to understanding fiction is as engaging today as when it was first delivered, a must-listen for students of literature, aspiring writers, and lovers of storytelling."

E.M. Forster (Author), Jason Tibor (Narrator)

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Howards End

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. A powerful exploration of class, connection, and the search for meaning in a changing world, Howards End is E. M. Forster’s masterpiece of English literature. At the heart of the novel are the Schlegel sisters—Margaret and Helen—intellectual, idealistic, and yearning for a life beyond convention. Their world collides with the wealthy, pragmatic Wilcox family and the struggling clerk Leonard Bast, intertwining love, ambition, and tragedy in ways that challenge social boundaries. The country house, Howards End, becomes more than a setting—it is a symbol of inheritance, belonging, and the fragile ties that bind people together. With wit, elegance, and unflinching insight, Forster captures the tensions of Edwardian England, where old traditions clash with modern ideals. Both intimate and universal, Howards End remains a timeless meditation on human connection, reminding readers of the enduring need to “only connect.” Perfect for fans of literary fiction and profound storytelling."

E.M. Forster (Author), Digital Voice Maxwell G (Narrator)

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A room with a view

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. A Room with a View by E. M. Forster is a luminous coming-of-age narrative that contrasts the repressive decorum of Edwardian England with the liberating beauty and sensuality of Italy. The novel follows Lucy Honeychurch, a young woman from a proper British family, as she travels to Florence and experiences a profound personal awakening. What begins as a simple holiday abroad transforms into a life-changing journey, as Lucy is challenged to question her social conditioning, emotional restraints, and the prescribed expectations of her class and gender. Volume 1 immerses the reader in the vivid scenery of Italy—sunlit piazzas, sweeping countryside, and artistic splendor—all of which reflect the stirring of emotions and the call to live authentically. Her encounter with George Emerson, a free-spirited and emotionally honest man, triggers a conflict between passion and propriety, instinct and decorum. The cultural collision between conservative England and vibrant Italy becomes a mirror for Lucy’s inner world, making her struggle one of identity, independence, and the courage to pursue truth over convention. Forster’s sharp wit, rich characterizations, and nuanced exploration of social constraints elevate the story beyond romantic travelogue into a quietly revolutionary critique of Edwardian hypocrisy. With its warm humor and human insight, A Room with a View endures as a deeply affecting tale about finding one’s voice and choosing love not just as a feeling, but as an act of self-determination."

E.M. Forster (Author), Digital Voice Andrew E (Narrator)

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1900 - 1939 Science Fiction 3 - 13 Classic Science Fiction Short Stories by Jack London, H. P. Lovecraft, EE Doc Smith, Clark Ashton Smith, Paul Ernst and many more: Cosmic Horrors, Mechanical Men, and Doomed Inventions from 1900–1939

"1900 - 1939 Science Fiction 3 - 13 Classic Science Fiction Short Stories by Jack London, H. P. Lovecraft, EE Doc Smith, Clark Ashton Smith, Paul Ernst and many more - Travel by Wire by Arthur C. Clarke - The Machine Stops by E. M. Forster - Beyond Annihilation by Henry Kuttner - The Coming of the Ice by G. Peyton Wertenbaker - Old Crompton’s Secret by Harl Vincent - Master Of The Asteroid by Clark Ashton Smith - The Unnamable by H. P. Lovecraft - The Shadow and the Flash by Jack London - The Shunned House by H. P. Lovecraft - The Artificial Man by Clare Winger Harris - Anton’s Last Dream by Edwin Baird - The Thing in the Trunk by Paul Ernst - Robot Nemesis by E.E. 'Doc' Smith"

Arthur C. Clarke, Clare Winger Harris, Clark Ashton Smith, E.E. 'Doc' Smith, E.M. Forster, Edwin Baird, G. Peyton Wertenbaker, H.P. Lovecraft, Harl Vincent, Henry Kuttner, Jack London, Paul Ernst (Author), Scott Miller (Narrator)

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A Room With A View

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. In A Room with a View, E. M. Forster presents a witty and emotionally rich exploration of love, freedom, and self-discovery. While on holiday in Italy, young Lucy Honeychurch finds her conventional world challenged by the unconventional and passionate George Emerson. Upon returning to repressive Edwardian England, Lucy must choose between the safety of societal expectations and the exhilarating possibility of true love. With vivid settings and sharp social commentary, Forster’s novel is a timeless coming-of-age story about awakening to one’s inner truths and the courage to defy convention."

E.M. Forster (Author), Digital Voice Matthew Schmitz E (Narrator)

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Audiobooks by E.M. Forster

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