Author: Jennie Fields
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Publish Date: August 2, 2012
Source: HF Virtual Book Tours
Why You're Reading This Book:
- You're a historical fiction fan.
- You're interested in Edith Wharton.
From Goodreads.com: "They say behind every great man is a woman. Behind Edith Wharton, there was Anna Bahlmann—her governess turned literary secretary, and her mothering, nurturing friend.
When at the age of forty-five, Edith falls passionately in love with a dashing younger journalist, Morton Fullerton, and is at last opened to the world of the sensual, it threatens everything certain in her life but especially her abiding friendship with Anna. As Edith’s marriage crumbles and Anna’s disapproval threatens to shatter their lifelong bond, the women must face the fragility at the heart of all friendships.
Told through the points of view of both women, The Age of Desire takes us on a vivid journey through Wharton’s early Gilded Age world: Paris with its glamorous literary salons and dark secret cafés, the Whartons’ elegant house in Lenox, Massachusetts, and Henry James’s manse in Rye, England.
Edith’s real letters and intimate diary entries are woven throughout the book. The Age of Desire brings to life one of literature’s most beloved writers, whose own story was as complex and nuanced as that of any of the heroines she created."
My Two Cents:
"The Age of Desire" is a historical fiction tale of famous writer, Edith Wharton. As with so many historical fiction books, I always find them to be a good introduction to a historic figure. This book definitely fits that bill.
Much of the book focuses on Edith's extramarital relationship with Morton Fullerton. Edith felt forced into marriage with her husband, Teddy. Although this book is told in third person (interestingly told in third person present), we get an intimate look at Edith and Teddy's marriage. I really felt bad for Teddy as in so many places, it just seemed like Edith was sort of mean to him.
The other part of the story focuses on the relationship between Edith, Teddy, and Edith's secretary/assistant. I really liked this part of the storyline. Anna had been with Edith since she was very young. I almost wish that we got to see a little bit more about Edith and Alice's relationship early on as I think it would have helped to explain some of the things that happened later on in their lives in the book.
I wanted to know more about the characters backgrounds and motives. I liked the writing of this book but I would have loved a little bit more detail to really bring the characters to life.
Follow the Rest of the Tour:
Monday, July 29
Feature & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, July 31
Review at Peeking Between the Pages
Giveaway at vvb32 reads
Monday, August 5
Review at Carole’s Ramblings & Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
Tuesday, August 6
Review at A Bookish Affair
Interview at From the TBR Pile
Wednesday, August 7
Review at West Metro Mommy
Guest Post & Giveaway at A Bookish Affair
Thursday, August 8
Review at Book-alicious Mama
Friday, August 9
Review at vvb32 reads
Guest Post at Historical Tapestry
Monday, August 12
Review at Carpe Librum
Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!
Tuesday, August 13
Interview at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!
Wednesday, August 14
Review at My Reader’s Block
Thursday, August 15
Review & Interview at A Bookish Libraria
Friday, August 16
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Monday, August 19
Review at Flashlight Commentary
Tuesday, August 20
Interview & Giveaway at Flashlight Commentary
Wednesday, August 21
Review at Book Addict Katie
Thursday, August 22
Review at Amused by Books
Review at Just One More Chapter
Friday, August 23
Review at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
Monday, August 26
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time
Review at Books, Belles and Beaux
Tuesday, August 27
Review & Giveaway at The True Book Addict
Guest Post at Books, Belles and Beaux
Wednesday, August 28
Review at The Lit Bitch
Thursday, August 29
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews
Friday, August 30
Review at A Novel Review
Review & Giveaway at Books in the Burbs
I've had a copy of this one on my shelf for a while and am really looking forward to reading it! Wanting to know more about the characters can be a good or bad thing... thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteWould love to read this one. Have always loved The Age of Innocence and House of Mirth. Thanks for a great review.
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