Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, was my favorite read of the summer. I had previously read Ethan Frome which I also enjoyed, but Edith Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel was definitely a cut above. The character of Newland Archer is truly a work of art. His internal struggle between fulfilling his societal duty (and staying with his wife May), or running off with his true love (Ellen), is filled with suspense and passion. The emotions of these three main characters seem to emanate from the pages of the novel. Edith Wharton brings the novel to a marvelous (albeit stunning) close, and wonderfully completes the novel. The Age of Innocence is an emotional powerhouse, and a must read for any fan of Wuthering Heights or Middlemarch.
What the Dickens? 