I finished reading this book last night for the latest classic spin. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. The main characters are Archer Newland and May Welland along with her cousin the Countess Ellen Olenska. The setting takes place in the 1870's in New York's old money society with the books main focus on family morals and standards of the day. Does one follow their heart or go by what is expected of them? It took me a couple of chapters to get interested in this book. Some of the characters I was on the fence about, although I can see their point of views, so for me I was more interested in seeing what they would end up doing more than anything else. The author Edith Wharton knew society well during the time this story she wrote takes place, as her own wealthy family came from New York. I think this does add to the book as some of the society manners and etiquette was quite fascinating to learn, however some of them were quite ludicrous by today's standards. I didn't feel that I really connected with the characters though, I think this is because the book was so much about society in general. I rank this book 3 out of 5, an ok read but not one I would want to reread.
I remember not caring for this book because I was not drawn to Wharton's style. Like you say, the life style she describes is interesting - New York high society during the Victorian period. Or should I be saying the Victorian fashion and etiquette that spilled over into early 20th century New York?.... I was intrigued by it, but Wharton's style spoilt the experience a bit. The characters were merely so-so.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, congratulations on striking this one off your list! :)
I just felt that the characters were just in the background, so the book in a way felt more like a history type book than a novel (nothing wrong with history books as I love them too). So I just felt a little cheated in a way.
DeleteHmmm...I'm not sure I felt that...but I can see how the backdrop could have been overwhelming.
DeleteHave you read The House of Mirth? That one is really good! Although, I liked this one too. :)
ReplyDeleteAgree with your sentiment; read this book for the Classic spin, but wasn't left wanting more.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favourite Wharton's but I accept that not everyone loves angsty period pieces the way I do :-)
ReplyDeleteHave you ever watched the movie starring Daniel Day Lewis & Michelle Pfieffer - it's lush & angsty & beautifully choreographed.
It was the movie that made me want to read the book, Brona. I loved the movie...it was beautiful! I guess, it was because of it that I went into the book with a lot of huge expectations (because everyone knows the book is better than the movie any day, right?)...however, it failed to impress. :(
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