Age of Innocence, The
Wharton, EdithSet in New York in the 1870s in a society where the constricting social code puts individual lives under great pressure. It is also a story about love. Pulitzer Prize for Literature, 1921. [Small font]
Comments from Groups
Most of us found this a fascinating account of a window on the very formal New York society of the period - better than Henry James! We enjoyed the personalities and hypocrisies, all strongly and strikingly drawn. Were also intrigued by the portrayal of the women and social attitudes towards the breakdown of marriage. Most found it repaid us amply for our efforts. Tauranga 018 Took a bit of getting into, however very well written; style of writing more endearing than the characters. Great ending. Dunedin 015 Found it a bit difficult to get use to the language at first but once we did we got hooked on the story. Auckland 267 We liked the book very much. The characters seemed well drawn. After a lively discussion we enjoyed watching the 'opera scene' from the the film on DVD. Hamilton 003 Worth reading to discover early America. An intriguing book. Christchurch 013 Most felt it was good to read a classic for a change and enjoyed the change of pace and excellent setting of 1870s New York, the manners and inhibitions of such a stifling society. Upper Hutt 002 Had a good discussion re the huge changes in women's lives in over a century. Feilding 001
Pages
229
229
Year
1920
1920
Reviews
16-06-2022
We loved reading a classic for a change. We had a fantastic discussion around this book, and really enjoyed the language and language features. Takes time to read this book. Lots of new words. Some of us enjoyed the movie as well.
06-04-2020
We all really enjoyed this - it was a GREAT book for book group discussion. Lots of different views and perspectives shared:-)
06-04-2020
VERY divided scoring. One person gave it a 1, "How do you write about absolutely nothing", while another gave it a 10! It made you think that nothing has really changed.
06-04-2020
The group was only lukewarm about the book. We thought the notes were good quality. Most of the discussion centred around the different views of the character of Ellen in the introduction to the book, and the notes.
06-04-2020
For many of us, this was a favourite book, and we loved the writing and the plot. We had lots of discussion about the characters' motives and decisions. However, some of us found it wordy.
06-04-2020
We have had varied books to read and this was no exception. Again we had a number of members who only read the first few chapters and decided they didn't like it at all. Those that did finish the book enjoyed the descriptive language, the challenge of looking up the meanings of words not used now, and the irony portrayed in some of the characters and situations. It is a book we would recommend, but to a group that enjoyed analysing and looking beyond the surface of a novel.
06-04-2020
Enjoyed by all.
06-04-2020
Most found it difficult to read but those who did read it, loved it....especially the descriptive passages included. Well-written!
06-04-2020
This book was universally enjoyed. We were in awe of her turn of phrase - empathetic, witty and moving.
30-10-2019
A fascinating glimpse of NY high society in the late 1800's along with the pressures, constrictions and expectations of young men and women of that time. Not an easy read and it took us a while to get into it, but worth pursuing. Would recommend not reading the note-sheet beforehand as it will spoil the ending for you!