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Florence (Lefty) MacIntosh's Reviews > The Age of Innocence
The Age of Innocence
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Florence (Lefty) MacIntosh's review
bookshelves: historical-fiction, romance, classics, awards, lit-usa, 2014, reviewed
Jul 17, 2012
bookshelves: historical-fiction, romance, classics, awards, lit-usa, 2014, reviewed
Heading for a hospital stay I decided to treat myself to a pleasant historical novel with a dash of romance. BIG mistake, if this is romantic take me to the nunnery….Okay, the ugliness of the story is offset by the beauty of the writing, and it is gorgeous, I'd read this author again - but still. This isn’t so much a review as an attempt to purge this pile of hooey from my subconscious.
1st off the main protagonist Newland Archer is a celebration of hypocrisy. A man who makes a CLEAR choice (view spoiler) to reap the benefits of marrying well “After all, marriage is marriage, and money's money—both useful things in their way ...” then wastes his life and the lives of the women who share it by spending it lamenting his decision. “His whole future seemed suddenly to be unrolled before him; and passing down its endless emptiness he saw the dwindling figure of a man to whom nothing was ever to happen.” Throw in the proverbial ‘vapid’ ball and chain of a wife “There was no use in trying to emancipate a wife who had not the dimmest notion that she was not free.” Add to the mix unrequited looove, the lust for another woman. Goes without saying that in stark contrast to the wife she's intelligent and utterly fascinating. “poetry and art are the breath of life to her.”
Pen the above in gorgeous prose, set in high society New York, shake & stir and voila! Pulitzer prize for fiction.
Cons: So predictable, and except for Newland’s the characters are shallow, undefined and stereotypical. How it took the Pulitzer is beyond me.
Meanderings: Huge sigh of relief when I FINALLY finished this. Needed a break from ‘escapist’ fiction so followed it with Eels: An Exploration, from New Zealand to the Sargasso, of the World's Most Mysterious Fish Loved it (review to follow). Eels are slimy, ugly and refreshingly uncomplicated! So obviously I’m a bit weird. Just to be clear my dislike for this novel isn’t because I over-empathized with the wife. I’ve never married and I don’t think I’m vapid:) No, I'm probably just pissed that I've been fooling myself for years, believing my like or dislike of a novels characters didn’t impact my appreciation for a book. Wrong...Newland Archer made me eat my words.
1st off the main protagonist Newland Archer is a celebration of hypocrisy. A man who makes a CLEAR choice (view spoiler) to reap the benefits of marrying well “After all, marriage is marriage, and money's money—both useful things in their way ...” then wastes his life and the lives of the women who share it by spending it lamenting his decision. “His whole future seemed suddenly to be unrolled before him; and passing down its endless emptiness he saw the dwindling figure of a man to whom nothing was ever to happen.” Throw in the proverbial ‘vapid’ ball and chain of a wife “There was no use in trying to emancipate a wife who had not the dimmest notion that she was not free.” Add to the mix unrequited looove, the lust for another woman. Goes without saying that in stark contrast to the wife she's intelligent and utterly fascinating. “poetry and art are the breath of life to her.”
Pen the above in gorgeous prose, set in high society New York, shake & stir and voila! Pulitzer prize for fiction.
Cons: So predictable, and except for Newland’s the characters are shallow, undefined and stereotypical. How it took the Pulitzer is beyond me.
Meanderings: Huge sigh of relief when I FINALLY finished this. Needed a break from ‘escapist’ fiction so followed it with Eels: An Exploration, from New Zealand to the Sargasso, of the World's Most Mysterious Fish Loved it (review to follow). Eels are slimy, ugly and refreshingly uncomplicated! So obviously I’m a bit weird. Just to be clear my dislike for this novel isn’t because I over-empathized with the wife. I’ve never married and I don’t think I’m vapid:) No, I'm probably just pissed that I've been fooling myself for years, believing my like or dislike of a novels characters didn’t impact my appreciation for a book. Wrong...Newland Archer made me eat my words.
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Reading Progress
July 17, 2012
– Shelved
January 9, 2014
–
Started Reading
January 14, 2014
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Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 97 (97 new)
message 1:
by
Suzanne
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rated it 5 stars
Feb 15, 2014 07:07PM
Florence, I love Edith Wharton, but I have never heard her books described as either romances or "escapist." No wonder you were disappointed, if that's what you were in the mood for, which is a perfectly legitimate mood to be in sometimes. But Wharton is not where you'll find that type of light-hearted read. She is, however, wonderful for more serious contemplation of some of the less seemly aspects of relationships and society. But you'd have to be wanting to read about that, and not something light or fun. I hope you'll give her another try someday. As you said, her writing is beautiful and you might be able to appreciate her characters on another occasion.
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I read this ages ago, so can't comment much on the writing or the story. But! I remember the movie, and Daniel Day Lewis was divine, as usual.
Oh, and my affinity for the characters definitely affects how I feel about a book - is that a bad thing? It's one reason, I suppose, that I've never read, say, Lolita...
Hospital stay? You okay, Florence? I don't think I want to read this book. I'm a bit weird too. :)
Louisa wrote: "Ugh. I've been putting this book on the back-burner for what seems like forever now. I think that's a sign that I'm never going to read it. Nice review Florence."Well, I wouldn't say drop everything and read it this minute Louisa! But that's just my humble opinion:) And thanks.
Suzanne wrote: "Florence, I love Edith Wharton, but I have never heard her books described as either romances or "escapist." No wonder you were disappointed, if that's what you were in the mood for, which is a pe..."Suzanne, thanks for taking the time to comment. Wharton's a fascinating person and a terrific writer. I readily admit I went into it with the wrong expections, on top of that it hit a few raw nerves. I do intend to read another by her, probably The House of Mirth - but not in the immediate future:)
Mary wrote: "I read this ages ago, so can't comment much on the writing or the story. But! I remember the movie, and Daniel Day Lewis was divine, as usual."It's impossible for Daniel Day Lewis to be anything BUT divine. If the movie airs I'll make sure I don't watch it, wouldn't want to risk sullying my infatuation by seeing him portray Newland Archer.
I'm not in any great hurry to read Lolita either...
Derek wrote: "Hospital stay? You okay, Florence? I don't think I want to read this book. I'm a bit weird too. :)"I'm okay, just still milking my broken wrist Derek, spent a couple of days in the hospital. No, can't see you enjoying this book - at all. And I'm glad you're a bit weird too, less lonely:)
Theresa wrote: "Oh my gosh, Phil and I just had a big laugh, thanks Florence! Great review, I'm just sorry that you didn't like it. I haven't had the pleasure yet.":) If you read this and adore it I'll eat my shorts. In fact I'll go one better and eat Phil's shorts, tell him I said so. Sorry, you know what's up, sometimes it's all about timing, might like it 10 years from now. Then again, probably not:)
Great review Florence; hope you are mending
What a smashing review, in all senses.I had a taste of this some years ago and quickly spat it out.
I too cannot help be be influenced by my feelings towards the main protagonists. If I don't care for them I don't care for the story.
Now a book on eels really does sound good *goes off to investigate*.....
"...purge this pile of hooey from my subconcious." Too funny. Fabulous review, confirmed that I don't want to read this. My hubby likes the movie but I've never been able to stick around for more than 5 minutes of it.
And I hope you're truly on the mend! Take care.
I appreciate your review a lot, helping me leve it on the shelf. Laughed at your choice of follow-up book, the slimy slithery critters.
Sending you healing thoughts and a little sunshine to brighten your day!!
I hope you're recovering both from the surgery and the novel. I couldn't finish this one and I didn't like the film adaptation either. My favorite Wharton is The House of Mirth
Have been wanting to read this for a long time, and own it :-(. Oh well...... Hope your wrist is better Florence. Broke my shoulder a couple years back, no fun!!
Paul wrote: "Great review Florence; hope you are mending"Thankyou Paul
Caroline wrote: "What a smashing review, in all senses.I had a taste of this some years ago and quickly spat it out. I too cannot help be be influenced by my feelings towards the main protagonists. If I don..."
Caroline, very articulate "I spat it out", I'm still trying to get the foul taste out of my mouth...! Thankyou, and Eels: An Exploration, from New Zealand to the Sargasso, of the World's Most Mysterious Fish really IS worth searching out, terrific book!
☮Karen wrote: ""...purge this pile of hooey from my subconcious." Too funny. Fabulous review, confirmed that I don't want to read this. My hubby likes the movie but I've never been able to stick around for more..."Good call Karen and thanks so much. Dispite starring Daniel Day Lewis there is no way I'd sit through it either. I feel a bit guilty trashing the 1st novel a women was awarded the pulitzer for but I'm sticking my ground, thought it was awful. Her sympathetic portrayal of Newland Archer just turned me off. ps: I am mending well, thanks for asking.
Sorry you didn't like it, Florence. I will NOT be reading this; I think it would annoy me to no end.
Michael wrote: "I appreciate your review a lot, helping me leve it on the shelf. Laughed at your choice of follow-up book, the slimy slithery critters."Yes, you know me well Michael. I'd take a plunge into murky depths populated by slimy eels over slimy people any day:)
LeeAnne wrote: "Sending you healing thoughts and a little sunshine to brighten your day!!"Thankyou my friend!!!!!
Caroline wrote: "Sorry you didn't like it, Florence. I will NOT be reading this; I think it would annoy me to no end."Caroline - knowing you, I'm convinced it would - you don't suffer fools gladly. So yes, I would give it a pass. Tons of other 'beautifully' written novels out there to choose from.
Laurie wrote: "Florence you might enjoy reading The Nutmeg Tree
by Margery Sharp when in the mood for something light hearted. I agree with you review btw, a real ..."Thanks for the rec Laurie, I've never heard of it. See you gave "The Age Of Innocence" 4 stars - I would rate it 4 as well if based only on the writing - it did deserve it.
Great Review Florence, I love your honesty as well as your wit. :-)
I rarely read 'light' books Laurie - just when you're in the hospital it's kind of nice you know? My fault, it's like not checking under the hood before buying a car - If I'd read a few reviews I'd have known and picked something else. I am going to see if I can find something by M. Sharpe though.
Dem wrote: "Great Review Florence, I love your honesty as well as your wit. :-)"Dem, thank you! The story really did rub me the wrong way, but it is just a book afterall. I do try not to take myself to seriously:)
Not much into reading the classics anyway I do believe I'll be giving this a pass. My friend, you are many things but vapid isn't one of them.
terrific review! take care of that wrist!
Agnes wrote: "Not much into reading the classics anyway I do believe I'll be giving this a pass. My friend, you are many things but vapid isn't one of them."Agnes, I'm so proud of you for resisting the impulse to throw in a jibe about 'the many things' I am if not vapid. Not even a mention of my height!? Amazing:)
Melodie wrote: "terrific review! take care of that wrist!"Thank you Melodie!!
Always wanted to read this book, ever since seeing the film, Florence. But have too many unread books.Maybe by Christmas...Terrific review, as always.
Henry wrote: "Always wanted to read this book, ever since seeing the film, Florence. But have too many unread books.Maybe by Christmas...Terrific review, as always."Thanks Henry, it is definitely worth reading. I'll watch for your review if and when you get to it:)
Too many books...But I love reading classics and writers I've not read before,it will be probably,and sadly a long time. Need to become a speed reader,Florence!
Henry wrote: "Too many books...But I love reading classics and writers I've not read before,it will be probably,and sadly a long time. Need to become a speed reader,Florence!"Ditto Henry! But that would take all the fun out of it - have friends that are...
I agree Florence, reading should be fun.So I read only a book a week.
I never saw Wharton's novels as Romance, in any sense of the word...I always so them as indictments of the hypocrisy of high society in New York...in her day.I love The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth....for that reason
Judith wrote: "I never saw Wharton's novels as Romance, in any sense of the word...I always so them as indictments of the hypocrisy of high society in New York...in her day.I love [book:The Age of Innocence|538..."
Hi Judith, if I was the sort to go back and change a review I would just to clarify I went into it with the wrong frame of mind and the wrong expectations. In fairness quite a few people have it shelved as 'romance', a genre I wouldn't normally choose for it's own sake. When you're in pain you crave distraction, and that it won a Pulitzer added to the lure, I thought it would be perfect. I do hate hypocrisy. So thanks for liking my review anyway - such a beautiful writer, I will read "The House Of Mirth" but I'll know what I'm in for when I do.
Florence (Lefty) wrote: "Agnes wrote: "Not much into reading the classics anyway I do believe I'll be giving this a pass. My friend, you are many things but vapid isn't one of them."Agnes, I'm so proud of you for resisti..."
Thanks shorty!
Agnes wrote: "Florence (Lefty) wrote: "Agnes wrote: "Not much into reading the classics anyway I do believe I'll be giving this a pass. My friend, you are many things but vapid isn't one of them."Agnes, I'm so..."
Welcome beanpole:)
So predictable, and except for Newland’s the characters are shallow, undefined and stereotypical. How it took the Pulitzer is beyond me.I wonder if it had something to do with the time it was written and how it meshed with people's perceptions at that time. It was definitely popular being adapted into several films and even a play. I also read that her Pulitzer was the first ever won by a woman...which maybe has led to more intrigue and interest over the book.
Interestingly, I have this out right now from the library (coincidence). Her name keeps coming up on my radar and I checked out this book and another just to have in case the mood struck, then I downloaded a bunch for free from amazon.
I will admit I have a book out now that is a collection of haunted tales. Her short story is the first. It is the only story so far I didn't really like.
Shaun wrote: "So predictable, and except for Newland’s the characters are shallow, undefined and stereotypical. How it took the Pulitzer is beyond me.I wonder if it had something to do with the time it was wri..."
Of course you’re right Shawn, it IS an honest portrayal of the time. I don’t disagree with anyone who loves it – interesting that you didn’t really like her story in the collection you’re reading though…
I know I’m in a tiny minority in my dislike for this book but in for a penny, in for a pound.
Fact - Edith Newbold Jones was born into such wealth and privilege that her family inspired the phrase "keeping up with the Joneses." I’m picturing her in her drawing room hobnobbing with society’s elite. Not a stretch that members of the Pulitzer committee were her peers? She was one of New York’s royalty after all. I’m thrilled a woman finally won the Pulitzer, just wish she’d hadn’t taken the easy way out by portraying the wife as conniving & superficial. If she’d painted her character with a even a fraction of the sympathy she used portraying that of the husbands – THAT would have changed my opinion 100%. Doubtful the all male Pulitzer committee would agree with me – or awarded her the prize. She is a fabulous writer, felt this was a missed opportunity. My dislike for the entire tone of the story was intense – but there is much to admire. I hope you read it:)
Florence (Lefty) wrote: "Fact - Edith Newbold Jones was born into such wealth and privilege that her family inspired the phrase "keeping up with the Joneses." I’m picturing her in her drawing room hobnobbing with society’s elite. Not a stretch that members of the Pulitzer committee were her peers? "I didn't know that. That's quite interesting.
I'm not in any rush to read her at this point.
Interestingly, her name came on my radar because of her ghost stories...which are supposed to be something she was regarded for. The first one that I read didn't really impress me and to be honest, from some of the reviews I read, didn't impress others either. One guy said he was still trying to figure out what the hell the first story (her story) was about.
That said, I'm sure I'll give others a try. I really don't know much about her novels, only that I recognize some of them because they have became classics, so I appreciate your honest review. You always do such a great job of pinpointing and expressing what you did/didn't like, which is especially helpful to other readers as they pick and choose what they think they will like.
In today's freewheeling/ anything goes world, it's hard for some to imagine a cloistered world of 100 years ago. The blame shld not be pointed at Wharton.
Sketchbook wrote: "In today's freewheeling/ anything goes world, it's hard for some to imagine a cloistered world of 100 years ago. The blame shld not be pointed at Wharton."Thanks for your comment Sketchbook. I don't 'blame' Wharton, but neither do I thank her. I didn't like the book for the reason's I've stated and I know I'm in the minority. I can deal with that:)
You might try Willa Cather's "One of Ours," which won the Pulitzer in 1923.
Sketchbook wrote: "You might try Willa Cather's "One of Ours," which won the Pulitzer in 1923."Thanks! Shadows on the Rock by her appeals to me as well. Read some great reviews on it and it's set in Quebec, Canada.
Shaun wrote: "Florence (Lefty) wrote: "Fact - Edith Newbold Jones was born into such wealth and privilege that her family inspired the phrase "keeping up with the Joneses." I’m picturing her in her drawing room ..."Thanks for that Shaun. Not for a second do I pretend to know enough about lit to tell anyone if a book is 'worthy' of reading, I just try & give my honest opinion:) Reality is taste is so subjective. For me friending people with similar taste to mine then raiding there shelves is the best bet, works for me anyway.
I really think you are misreading Wharton's characters and their psychologies (and maybe missing the irony on Wharton's prose). May may indeed be "vapid" but she turns out to be much more cunning and knowing than suspected, with a complete understanding of the rules by which their society is governed.
