The Longest Journey

** "The Longest Journey" by E. M. Forster is a story set in the early 1900's that follows a young man named Rickie Elliot as he struggles to find his place in the world at Cambridge University. The story looks at big ideas like who we are, thinking about life, and how we connect with others. At the start, Rickie and his friends have a lively debate about whether a cow exists, as a way of thinking about what's real and what's just in our heads. Rickie feels lost and unsure, choosing to watch instead of joining in, as others passionately debate ideas. Enter Agnes Pembroke, who shows up unexpectedly, making things even more complicated. These first meetings give us a peek into the confusing world of relationships and friendships among college students. Even though there's laughter and good times, you can feel Rickie's struggle to figure out who he is and where he belongs as he faces pressures from others and himself. The start of the novel sets the scene for a deeper look into Rickie's journey of finding himself and the difficulties he will encounter. **