I had picked up this book several times before and abandoned it after the first few chapters. It was recommended to me once again recently, and this time around I was absolutely riveted and read the entire book within a week. If you ever picked up a book that others seem to have loved and is very popular, but you just could not get into it...well, give it another shot after some time has passed. There is often a "right time" to read some books.
If you are going to read this book, I highly recommend a copy with an introduction by Pamela Knights. Just her intro felt like getting into a book club discussion with several people. She drew attention to several aspects that made the book such an incredible experience - life during the time period at the turn of the century, social settings, author's pace of writing, personalities of the characters and their relationship with the main protagonist Lily Bart....I loved reading her analysis. You may want to read the book first though, or the Intro may seem too confusing.
Another incredible thing about this version was that there was a chronology of events throughout the life of Edith Wharton - the author. They chronology allowed us to see her life in the Literary context (what other important works were published during that time) and Historical events (inventions, wars, scientific achievements and major landmark events that shape the world). This perspective was incredibly informative and helped greatly to understand the novel better.
We completely visualize the life of the upper class in New York around the turn of the century, the role of women, the fashion of the times, entertainment, communication and transportation. The human connection, story about relationships, a love story, all combined. I have no words to express thoughts that have been so eloquently written - you have to simply read it for yourself.
Edith Wharton won a Pulitzer Prize - a first woman to do so, back in 1921 - for her book Age of Innocence. That is next on my list of books to read.
If you read this book - please call me 484 947 3127 so we can chat about it. I would love to hear from you! What are you reading currently?To learn more about me visit Zillow and read my reviews -https://www.zillow.com/profile/Bela-Vora/#reviews
Bela Vora, REALTOR®,
Coldwell Banker Preferred - Exton Real Estate.
Office: 610 363 6006; Cell: (484) 947 3127
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