"Time and Place Syndrome in E. M. Forster’s Novels" by Chandana Khan is a bold and refreshing critical inquiry that challenges the widely held image of Forster as a literary mythmaker. Evolving from an abandoned MPhil thesis, this work matures into a sharp, intellectually engaging study that repositions Forster not as a spinner of myths, but as a chronicler of conditions — social, temporal, and geographical.

Khan argues that Forster’s enduring relevance lies not in his use of classical or mystical symbolism alone, but in his deep engagement with the condition of England, the condition of the colonial other, and, crucially, the condition of time and place. These thematic undercurrents shape his novels into profound explorations of society, identity, and cultural dissonance — allowing them to transcend their historical moment and achieve timeless resonance.

Taking readers metaphorically "to the other side of the hedge," Khan invites us to re-examine Forster’s novels through a fresh lens. Her personal reflections as a literature student, coupled with rigorous textual analysis, lend the book both critical depth and emotional authenticity. She sensitively uncovers the elemental force of time and the grounding role of place in novels such as A Passage to India, Howards End, and The Longest Journey, among others.

This is not just a study in literary criticism; it is a journey of rediscovery. Khan’s voice is that of a passionate reader and thoughtful scholar, opening new dimensions in Forster’s fiction and urging us to see beyond the surface myths.

A valuable and insightful companion for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of English literature seeking a deeper understanding of E. M. Forster’s world.