wildwolverine's review against another edition
3.0
My reaction to this book was lukewarm. It featured fascinating characters and an interesting plot. Learning about Ellen's past marriage was like unraveling a mystery. It drew me in until I couldn't put it down. However, there were some serious drawbacks for me. I know this book is a classic and won the Pulitzer prize, but the abrupt ending and the wishy-washy protagonist bothered me.
While I understand that Wharton was commenting on the restrictive nature of upper class living in America, I was frustrated by the hero, Newland Archer because he kept changing his mind about what he wanted out of life and women. In my opinion, Wharton's criticisms would've come across stronger if May and Ellen had narrated the story. Their story arcs were much more interesting than Newland's. Furthermore, May and Ellen could've illustrated their victim status and how they manipulated others to get what they want. Not only that, but the conversation between May and Ellen at the end of the novel would've been a great climactic moment that Newland's narrative lacked.
I read Ethan Frome, and that had such a painful but climactic ending. I assumed The Age of Innocence would end just as dramatically. When it didn't, I was disappointed. I didn't get a satisfying resolution to the story.
The Age of Innocence offered an insightful view into American life during the 1870s, but its themes were still universal enough to apply to the modern reader. Just don't expect a lot of "oomph".
While I understand that Wharton was commenting on the restrictive nature of upper class living in America, I was frustrated by the hero, Newland Archer because he kept changing his mind about what he wanted out of life and women. In my opinion, Wharton's criticisms would've come across stronger if May and Ellen had narrated the story. Their story arcs were much more interesting than Newland's. Furthermore, May and Ellen could've illustrated their victim status and how they manipulated others to get what they want. Not only that, but the conversation between May and Ellen at the end of the novel would've been a great climactic moment that Newland's narrative lacked.
I read Ethan Frome, and that had such a painful but climactic ending. I assumed The Age of Innocence would end just as dramatically. When it didn't, I was disappointed. I didn't get a satisfying resolution to the story.
The Age of Innocence offered an insightful view into American life during the 1870s, but its themes were still universal enough to apply to the modern reader. Just don't expect a lot of "oomph".
charlotteps's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
christianscarlett's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book. Dialogue amplified the emphasis on the traditions of the time and was entertaining. The characters were interesting, and the nuanced story kept me intrigued to the end.
annanasbooks's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
blester042590's review against another edition
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
bethyy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75