[показать]Because of all the craziness in college this semester, I am not able to devote much time to reading, so having read two-thirds of “The Age of Innocence” in just a few days during our winter break, I’ve spent almost two months finishing the last part, which have definitely taken away from the whole experience. Nevertheless, the book was definitely worth sticking to, and even though the novel didn't touch me as much as "Wuthering Heights" or "The End of the Affair," I am glad I didn’t give up – this was the first Edith Wharton’s book that I have ever read, but it left me wanting for more. In particular, I would love to read Wharton's first important work of fiction "The House of Mirth."

Famous for being the first female written novel to win Pulitzer Prize, “The Age of Innocence” is a story of one man’s struggle with conflicting obligations imposed on him by the society and wants of his heart, as well as a very interesting commentary on traditions and life of Old New York. The protagonist, Newland Archer, is about to marry a beautiful debutante May Welland when he meets countess Ellen Onlenska who immediately intrigues young man because of her indifference to conventions and unusual outlook for obsessed with propriety American high society. This encounter intensifies Newland’s awareness of New York's suffocating environment and makes him question the future that awaits him with May. Not surprisingly, the protagonist quickly falls in love with this extraordinary woman and soon has to choose between love and obligation.

In addition to portraying a touching love-story, Wharton does great job creating a vivid image of the late 19th century Old New York society, wealthy and elite class at the top of the developing city's social hierarchy, which adds the book a different, historico-anthropological, dimension. Even though somewhat formulistic as far as the plot is concerned, “The Age of Innocence” stands out due to its simple tone and realism. In contrast with love stories that often boil with extreme emotions and situations that can hardly be encountered in life, Wharton’s novel is a very subtle account of love between two people, in which the author shuns creating overwrought situations and characters. “It is exactly how the whole thing would have happened in real life”, I thought having turned the last page.

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