I scoured my already read list trying decide which book to choose for the letter “A” and it was tough going for awhile. I thought of a couple a books and then thought, “darn, they are memoirs. Historical, yes but not fiction. Then I came up with two great contenders. Then thought, I reviewed those just last year. I know they would be acceptable but I was hoping to come up with something better and better, I did!
I read The Age of Innocence back in 2006, before I started my blog and before I started reviewing all the book I have read. I did keep track of the books I read, with a spiral notebook and pen. I included the Title, author, my rating, and a few scribbled thoughts.
I think The Age of Innocence deserves more from me.. so here it is.
I saw the movie when it first came out years ago. I really loved it but didn’t think to read it. Then a friend recommended the book to me. She couldn’t believe I hadn’t read it. She said, “you love the classics but you have never read The Age of Innocence?” She was almost outraged. LOL! So I got a copy and read it.
Since it has been awhile since I read it, I am going to use the description on the back of the book for those of you who haven’t read it:
Into the narrow social world of New York in the 1870s comes Countess Ellen Olenska, surrounded by shocked whispers about her failed marriage to a rich Polish Count. A woman who leaves her husband can never be accepted in polite society. Newland Archer is engaged to young May Welland, but the beautiful and mysterious Countess needs his help. He becomes her friend and defender, but friendship with an unhappy, lonely woman is a dangerous path for a young man to follow – especially a young man who is soon to be married.
My thoughts:
I totally got lost in this sumptuous book. I had no idea I was reading, as I became a character in the story. It felt like I was witnessing first hand. This book is a feast of words, with biting humour and institutionalized hypocrisy of the upper-class late 19th century New York. This is a must read for all historical fiction and classics lovers.
4.5/5
Also reviewed by:
Book-a-rama
Did I miss your review? Please leave me your link in the comments.
This post is also for Woman on Wednesdays (WOW). Want to know about other excellent female authors or do you have any to share? Go to West of Mars’ Rocks ‘n Reads every Wednesday and look for Susan’s WOW post.
Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.
