The Fountain

The Fountain is a romantic war novel set in the Netherlands during World War I. The story takes place against the backdrop of Dutch neutrality during the global conflict. The narrative centers on relationships that develop within a Dutch household where an English officer is interned. The setting creates a unique dynamic where characters from opposing sides of the war must coexist in close quarters. Through the characters' interactions, the novel examines isolation, duty, and moral choices during wartime. Morgan's 1932 work earned the prestigious Hawthornden Prize and was later adapted into a Hollywood film. The novel explores themes of love and honor set against the constraints of war, while raising questions about neutrality, both political and personal, in times of conflict.

Most readers found this 1932 novel challenging to engage with due to its philosophical depth and slow pacing. Reviews describe Morgan's writing style as dense and poetic, requiring focused attention. Readers appreciated: - Exploration of love, art, and spirituality - Rich symbolism and metaphysical themes - Morgan's descriptive passages about nature - The mystical atmosphere Common criticisms: - Overly intellectual and abstract - Plot moves too slowly - Characters can feel distant and hard to relate to - Dated writing style Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (142 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (26 reviews) Notable reader comments: "Beautiful prose but requires patience" - Goodreads reviewer "More like reading philosophy than a novel" - Amazon review "The symbolism rewards careful reading but the story itself is thin" - LibraryThing member The book appears to appeal most to readers who enjoy contemplative literary fiction and philosophical novels.

In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden The cloistered setting of a Benedictine abbey creates similar tensions of duty versus personal desire as characters navigate their relationships within confined spaces.

The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West A World War I novel that examines relationships and inner conflicts through the story of a shell-shocked soldier's return to his English estate.

The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford Set before and during World War I, this novel delves into complex relationships between English and European characters living in close proximity.

Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner Like The Fountain, this story unfolds in a contained setting where characters from different backgrounds interact in neutral territory during a time of personal crisis.

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh The novel presents intricate relationships within a grand house setting and explores themes of duty, honor, and forbidden love across social boundaries.

🔹 The Hawthornden Prize, which "The Fountain" won in 1932, is Britain's oldest literary award for imaginative literature, established in 1919 by Alice Warrender. 🔹 During WWI, the Netherlands housed nearly one million Belgian refugees and approximately 30,000 interned military personnel from various nations, providing historical context for the novel's setting. 🔹 Charles Morgan served as a naval officer in WWI and was himself interned in the Netherlands, drawing from personal experience for the novel's authentic portrayal of internment life. 🔹 The 1934 film adaptation starred Ann Harding and Brian Aherne, and was directed by John Cromwell, known for his sophisticated handling of literary adaptations. 🔹 Morgan worked as the principal drama critic for The Times of London (1926-1939), which significantly influenced his detailed, theatrical approach to character development in "The Fountain."