A word to the wise: Do not watch the film Howards End in advance of reading the book. The writing is strong, but the particular images of the film will still win, will still invade your reading. Awkwardly enough, the film is very good, and the book is very good. But if you were to read the book first, then the film, you'd have two good things, while I only have one, having done them out of order.
I don't know, Ez; it's one of my favorite books, and I read it twice before I watched the movie, and I just don't like the movie much. Anthony Hopkins, in particular, looks all wrong; as do both Basts. I can see how it could be considered a good movie if it weren't so darned incorrect.
See, see, that's the thing! I'll never know how incorrect it is.
The movie is good as movies go, though it may not be good as Howards Ends go.