"Where Angels Fear to Tread" is a novel by E.M. Forster that explores themes of cultural clash and personal transformation through the interactions between British characters and the Italian setting. The story begins with the death of Lilia Herriton, a young English widow who marries an Italian, Gino Carella. Her decision creates a rift between her family and her new life, leading to significant conflicts that reveal deep-seated attitudes and biases.
The narrative follows Lilia's relatives, particularly her brother-in-law Philip and sister-in-law Harriet, as they travel to Italy. Their mission is to rescue Lilia's children from what they perceive as a misguided marriage. However, they become entangled in the complexities of Italian life, which challenges their rigid values and forces them to confront their own limitations and prejudices.