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Summary: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Review: This book was well written. A little confusing at times because of the manner of the characters speech, but seemingly true to the time period. Edith Wharton is a great author, but through out the book there is a sense of hope that is dashed in the end. For that reason I give it 4 stars.
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Summary: A sumptuous New York of a bygone age
Review: This is a story set in the stifling atmosphere of upper-class turn of the century New York, where everyone does what they think others expect of them, and are more worried about appearances and 'tradition' (though really, the city is till so young the traditions are relatively new) than what is right or good.Newland Archer is engaged to marry May Welland, a young woman from the same social strata as himself. He then meets May's cousin Ellen Olenska, and falls in love, which is a major problem - not only is Newland expected to marry May, but Ellen is a married woman, who did the wrong thing and left her rich European husband. The story explores the attempts by Newland to break out from the expectation of society to be with the woman he loves, and how society and his own beliefs keep him reined in. This story is a joy to read, not only for its narrative, but also because of Wharton's lush descriptions of the locations and rituals of New York life - she can make you feel that you know a house inside and out just by the way she writes about it. This book reminded me a lot of Anna Karenina - the same stifling societal rules that kept people from doing what they wanted in life, the same sumptuous settings. Only Age of Innocence is a lot shorter, and I have to say a lot more readable!
Rating:
Summary: wonderful novel
Review: This story is full of old new york imagery and captures the readers imagination immediately.I highly recommend the norton critical edition because the essays in the back were very helpful for further reading on Edith Wharton herself, the society in which she lived as well as other miscellaneous articles.
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