I finished reading this book last night for the latest classic spin. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. The main characters are Archer Newland and May Welland along with her cousin the Countess Ellen Olenska. The setting takes place in the 1870's in New York's old money society with the books main focus on family morals and standards of the day. Does one follow their heart or go by what is expected of them? It took me a couple of chapters to get interested in this book. Some of the characters I was on the fence about, although I can see their point of views, so for me I was more interested in seeing what they would end up doing more than anything else. The author Edith Wharton knew society well during the time this story she wrote takes place, as her own wealthy family came from New York. I think this does add to the book as some of the society manners and etiquette was quite fascinating to learn, however some of them were quite ludicrous by today's standards. I didn't feel that I really connected with the characters though, I think this is because the book was so much about society in general. I rank this book 3 out of 5, an ok read but not one I would want to reread.
I haven't participated in this for quite awhile. This will I will continue to read both of these books: