The Age of Innocence - Edith Wharton

The Age of Innocence has an interesting context: it's set mostly in the early 1870s, but was published in 1920, at a time when society was undergoing massive change following World War I and the year that the US gave women the vote. Having said that, it reminds me very much of Vanity Fair, which was set in the early 19th century and in London, not New York society as The Age of Innocence is. There's a similar level of sharp observation and witty ...
...regardless of whether one needs the money, in order to be seen as useful and intelligent), and member of one of New York's best families, who has recently become engaged to May Welland, a member of another of New York's best families. At the outset of the book, the engagement is announced. Gossip and explanations are provided by Mr. Sillerton Jackson, a friend of all New York society who acts as a kind of social commentator.

May is ... more

The Age of Innocence has an interesting context: it's set mostly in the early 1870s, but was published in 1920, at a time when society was undergoing massive change following World War I and the year that the US gave women the vote. Having said that, it reminds me very much of Vanity Fair, which was set in the early 19th century and in London, not New York society as The Age of Innocence is. There's a similar level of sharp observation and witty humour that reveals the rotten core of outwardly decent society.

Newland Archer is a young lawyer (one has to have a prestigious job, regardless of whether one needs the money, in order to be seen as useful and intelligent), and member of one of New York's best families, who has recently become engaged to May Welland, a member of another of New York's best families. At the outset of the book, the engagement is announced. Gossip and explanations are provided by Mr. Sillerton Jackson, a friend of all New York society who acts as a kind of social commentator.

May is beautiful and goddess-like, but Newland becomes entranced by her cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska, who has recently returned to New York having left her Polish husband. Ellen is stunning, charming and witty. Newland becomes dazzled by her, even though the scandal of her leaving her husband has turned her into somewhat of an outcast in society. The rest of the book tracks their impossible relationship as social constraints seem determined to keep them apart.

In the world of this novel, manners and etiquette are paramount and blind eyes are turned to some infidelities, whilst others are condemned and their perpetrators ostracized. All cases, of course, are discussed in the drawing rooms of illustrious families. Everyone is bound by tradition and even Newland, who is every inch the modern gentleman, bows to it once he is married, deciding that it requires too much effort to allow his wife to live his declaration that women - like men - should be free. Naturally, hypocrisy is an integral part of society.

There is a wistful side to The Age of Innocence, with an edge of regret that (thankfully) doesn't creep into nostalgia. To wonder what might have been is a huge part of human experience and a major theme in this novel; it's woven in subtly throughout, showing Edith Wharton's great writing skill. Indeed, The Age of Innocence won Wharton the 1921 Pulitzer Prize for literature - making her the first woman to be awarded it. Although this is her probably her most famous work, Edith Wharton also wrote The House of Mirth, The Custom of the Country and Ethan Frome.

Although, obviously, a 20th century novel, The Age of Innocence reminds me of a 19th century story - it has a similar style and is evocative of, among others, Thackeray and Jane Austen. The main sign that it's not what it seems (apart from the publishing dates!) is that its story is less complex and the tone is more pensive. It has a focus that is unusual in 19th century novels, evidenced by it only having just over 250 pages. The result is a brilliant novel that was a pleasure from start to finish.

In fact, I recommend The Age of Innocence to those who are put off by the lengthy tomes that I love. It's a great way to introduce yourself to novels charting 19th century society - as well as being extremely funny and thought-provoking. It's a portrait of a lost world, but looks forward to the future with hope. I can't express what a great novel it is - it certainly merits its designation as a classic - suffice to say that I've added lots of Wharton's works to my wish list and can't wait to read them!

The Age of Innocence - Edith Wharton
The Wordsworth Classics edition is RRP £1.99, available on Amazon for £1.89, and the Penguin Popular Classics edition is £2.00. At that kind of price, you can't afford not to buy it! Highly recommended. 

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