The novel “The Masters” by C. P. Snow focuses on the internal politics and power struggles within a Cambridge college as the fellows prepare to elect a new Master. Set in the 1930s, it provides a glimpse into the personal ambitions and rivalries of academic life.
The story revolves around the divisions among the fellows, some supporting a progressive candidate and others favoring a more traditional choice, with the decision set against the backdrop of personal loyalties and moral dilemmas.
C. P. Snow wrote “Strangers and Brothers,” which follows the life of Lewis Eliot as he navigates academia, relationships, and the complexities of power. Set partly in Cambridge, the novel provides a vivid look at university life and the personal struggles of its characters.
Eliot’s career and the choices he makes often reflect the pressures of ambition and loyalty in a changing world.
“The Longest Journey” by E. M. Forster follows Rickie, a sensitive and idealistic young man, as he navigates his relationships, struggles with his family history, and searches for meaning in his life.
The story moves between Cambridge, where Rickie studies, and the rural countryside, bringing out contrasts in his experiences.
Rickie’s time at Cambridge introduces him to new ideas and friendships, but it also reveals tensions between intellect, emotion, and societal expectations.
The book “Porterhouse Blue” by Tom Sharpe is a satirical story about life at Porterhouse College, a fictional and very traditional Cambridge institution.
It follows the chaos unleashed when a progressive and reform-minded master is appointed, clashing with the old ways upheld by the college’s staff and students.
The antics of Skullion, the porter, and the mishaps surrounding the enigmatic “Porterhouse Blue,” make for a humorous and sharp narrative.
“The Gate of Angels” by Penelope Fitzgerald is set in Edwardian Cambridge and follows Fred Fairly, a young scientist at St. Angelicus College. The story weaves around Fred’s logical world being disrupted when he encounters Daisy Saunders, a nurse from London.
Their lives cross after a strange accident, leading to a mixture of romance and reflections on faith, reason, and chance. The book captures the atmosphere of Cambridge and the intellectual debates of the time, with a touch of humor and charm.
The novel “Timescape” by Gregory Benford weaves a story where scientists in 1998 try to send warnings back to 1962 to prevent environmental disaster.
It combines physics with a sense of urgency as characters from both timelines grapple with the challenges of making contact and the consequences of altering events. Set partly in Cambridge, the book captures the tension and discovery inside academic circles.
John L. Casti’s “The Cambridge Quintet” imagines a dinner party in 1949 at Cambridge. The guests include real historical figures like Alan Turing, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and others.
Over the course of the evening, they discuss the nature of artificial intelligence and whether machines could ever think like humans.
The book blends philosophy, science, and human curiosity in a thought-provoking way as these brilliant minds debate and clash over one of the big questions of their time.
The book “The Great Lover” by Jill Dawson explores the life of the poet Rupert Brooke during his time in Cambridge and later in Grantchester.
It follows Brooke’s relationships, his struggles with love and identity, and his interactions with a housemaid named Nell, whose life becomes entwined with his.
The story vividly captures Brooke’s charm and the complexities of his character while also highlighting the world around him in early 20th century Cambridge.
E. M. Forster wrote “Maurice,” a novel set in early 20th-century England that touches on themes of love and societal expectations. The story follows Maurice Hall, a young man grappling with his identity and his feelings for two men, Clive Durham and Alec Scudder.
Through Maurice’s journey, the book explores class, relationships, and personal freedom in a world reluctant to accept change. Its Cambridge setting forms the backdrop for Maurice’s self-discovery and the connections that shape his life.