Quick to get going and slow to let the real issues at hand sink in, reading Howard's End was a joy - and I say that as someone who often lets "the classics" intimidate her into avoiding them completely. But E.M. Forster deserves all the praise that has been thrown at him over the last century because this story of three families who straddle the social spectrum in early 20th century England, is effortless to read, delightful in terms of language and yet extremely effective at educating and enlightening the reader about issues that persist in British (and other) societies. A special mention should also go to the humour that reaches out to you as you read this novel - never let laughter (through Forster's fine, fine characterisations and gentle observations about people) be underestimated as the finest communication tool in a writer's armoury to build trust, promote engagement and see an interested party through to the last page.

Howard's End has much more to offer a reader keen to read the classics but reluctant to come up against pages of description and slow moving story lines. If you read one "classic" piece of British literature this year, make it this one.