It's taken me little bit to get going in the book, but I am really enjoying it now. I think it was the lack of dialogue in the beginning. There was so much time spent with Newland Archer's observations. I must say that I was getting annoyed with his pompous thoughts. I understand now that Edith Wharton was setting the tone, or mood. She wanted us to understand how they thought. I see now that it was important for us to be in that mindset to understand New York society as she knew it.
I do love the descriptions throughout the story. She has a way of describing scenes that put you there. I can picture exactly what the Opera House looked like...I can see Ellen's parlour in her little house...I felt like I was at the Garden Party (are you there yet? amazing scene). It's like watching a movie, there are so many details that you can't take them all in at once. I have read whole paragraphs a couple of times.
I can't wait for us to chat about Newland, May & Ellen. Man, do I have some thoughts! I do have a favorite character though. Catherine the Great, or Mrs. Manson Mingott. I love how she laughs at the world of New York Society, but then continues to be a part of it. But only as she chooses to be a part. She is who she is and doesn't see anything wrong with that. A couple of my favorite lines from her are in Chapter 21. (I don't think a spoiler alert is necessary) "Honour's always been honour, and honesty honesty, in Manson Mingott's house, and will be till I'm carried out of it feet first." & "It was Beaufort when he covered you with jewels, and it's got to stay Beaufort now that he's covered you with shame." She has impressed me. I can't wait to see what she thinks of Ellen & Newland. I have a feeling she will surprise us.
Is anyone else struggling in the beginning? If you are, just be patient. The story really picks up, and then you won't be able to put the book down.
Happy Reading!
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I am really loving all the description as well! Her style of writing reminds me of Ian McEwan (Author of Atonement & Saturday). He too, writes a lot of inner monologue and description of surroundings and people. About half way through the book was when I really started re-reading paragraphs and lines. Some of the lines you just have to read aloud because they're so insightful. Now, I haven't gotten to the end, but so far my favorite line is from the French tutor, "The air of ideas is the only air worth breathing." Freakin Awesome.
ReplyDeleteI am in the same boat....Due to school I haven't had a long sitting, where I get through a big chunk of it, so the detail is a little overwhelming at the beginning. However, it seems like everyone has had the same experience so I just need to be patient. But I too love her writing style, it's so rich and fun.
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