Title: The Age of Innocence
Author: Edith Wharton
Genre: Fiction (Classic/Drama/Victorian??)
Pages: 320
Rating (out of 5 stars): ****
Reviewed by: Ben
Description: Newland Archer is a member of New York's high society in the 1870s. While engaged to marry May Welland, he meets and falls in love with Ellen Olenska, who is a bit surrounded by scandal. Newland struggles between following the demands of a pompous society and the true feelings of his heart. The result: a tale of thwarted love, duty, and acceptance.
Thoughts: This book was exactly what I needed after all of the sci-fi I have been reading lately. I admit that I've always liked these classic romantic novels, so if you don't like Dickens or Austen you probably wouldn't enjoy this book much. That being said, there's a reason that The Age of Innocence was the first book written by a woman to win the Pulitzer Prize. There is no clear correct answer to the dilemma that faces Newland as he is caught between two generations. The "old school" that he was brought up in holds fast to tradition, and there is certainly something to be said for that. May, whom Newland is to marry, represents that old society. On the other hand, the upcoming generation willingly accepts changes and openly forgives those who, like Ellen (whom Newland actually loves), have made some serious mistakes, and mercy is something I believe in as well. Whom should Newland choose? I'm still not sure. At any rate, the book is a marvelous commentary on hypocrisy, duty, and ideals.
Disclaimer: None.
Author: Edith Wharton
Genre: Fiction (Classic/Drama/Victorian??)
Pages: 320
Rating (out of 5 stars): ****
Reviewed by: Ben
Description: Newland Archer is a member of New York's high society in the 1870s. While engaged to marry May Welland, he meets and falls in love with Ellen Olenska, who is a bit surrounded by scandal. Newland struggles between following the demands of a pompous society and the true feelings of his heart. The result: a tale of thwarted love, duty, and acceptance.
Thoughts: This book was exactly what I needed after all of the sci-fi I have been reading lately. I admit that I've always liked these classic romantic novels, so if you don't like Dickens or Austen you probably wouldn't enjoy this book much. That being said, there's a reason that The Age of Innocence was the first book written by a woman to win the Pulitzer Prize. There is no clear correct answer to the dilemma that faces Newland as he is caught between two generations. The "old school" that he was brought up in holds fast to tradition, and there is certainly something to be said for that. May, whom Newland is to marry, represents that old society. On the other hand, the upcoming generation willingly accepts changes and openly forgives those who, like Ellen (whom Newland actually loves), have made some serious mistakes, and mercy is something I believe in as well. Whom should Newland choose? I'm still not sure. At any rate, the book is a marvelous commentary on hypocrisy, duty, and ideals.
Disclaimer: None.
1 comment:
I do love Edith Wharton. It's been awhile since I read anything by her, but I remember enjoying The House of Mirth quite a bit in college.
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