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wistyallgood 's review for:
Old New York: Four Novellas
by Edith Wharton
More of a 4.5 stars, but I'm rounding up because Queen Edith has murdered me yet again.
This woman. I just want to read everything she's written. Her stories set in Old New York are also deeply human with a healthy dose of wry humor and satire, usually poking fun at the nonsense of that rich New York society. These stories were excellent, each of the four set in the 1840s, '50s, 60's, and 70's, and they were riveting.
False Dawn , set in the 1840s, took me a minute to get into, but I feel like by the end of each story, including this one, Edith blew my mind and made me ruefully shake me head. A young man is about to embark on his yearlong European excursion, and his domineering father tasks him with bringing home high-quality art pieces. He ends up going a different route, and the aftermath is honestly quite sad, and then the story ends in an ironic way that made me feel melancholy!
The Old Maid , in the 1850s, was probably my favorite of the bunch. I couldn't look away. The very likable Delia Rolston receives a visit from her soon-to-be-wed cousin, Charlotte. Charlotte, in lots of distress, admits that she can't marry for a very spicy reason. We follow Delia and Charlotte into their old age, and in the final chapters, The thing is, not much can be done about it due to propriety and social pressures, so the story sort of fades away sadly, with I loved this whole story, and Delia's compassion, a whole lot.
The Spark , set in the 1860s, was my least favorite of the bunch but still highly readable, and the 1870s New Year's Day was written so attractively, I couldn't stop looking. This, too, ended in a bittersweet way, as is Wharton's specialty. I just loved this collection and I'm very glad I own it.
This woman. I just want to read everything she's written. Her stories set in Old New York are also deeply human with a healthy dose of wry humor and satire, usually poking fun at the nonsense of that rich New York society. These stories were excellent, each of the four set in the 1840s, '50s, 60's, and 70's, and they were riveting.
False Dawn , set in the 1840s, took me a minute to get into, but I feel like by the end of each story, including this one, Edith blew my mind and made me ruefully shake me head. A young man is about to embark on his yearlong European excursion, and his domineering father tasks him with bringing home high-quality art pieces. He ends up going a different route, and the aftermath is honestly quite sad, and then the story ends in an ironic way that made me feel melancholy!
Spoiler
The man's father disowns him, he married and makes an art gallery with these new pieces on the first floor. He is ridiculed and eventually sells the paintings, which of course in the end, long after his death, become highly sought after.The Old Maid , in the 1850s, was probably my favorite of the bunch. I couldn't look away. The very likable Delia Rolston receives a visit from her soon-to-be-wed cousin, Charlotte. Charlotte, in lots of distress, admits that she can't marry for a very spicy reason.
Spoiler
Charlotte watches over a bunch of orphans and her husband wants her to give that up, but she won't because on of the children is her very own! Delia takes in young Tina and eventually, her husband dies and she takes in Charlotte as well. The three live in harmony with Delia's daughter, but Tina views Delia as her mother and Charlotte as her old maid aunt.Spoiler
Tina is getting married and Charlotte finally releases her frustrations over Tina not knowing who her real mother is and looking to Delia as a mother figure.Spoiler
Delia asking Tina to promise to give her last kiss, before setting off on her honeymoon, to Charlotte.The Spark , set in the 1860s, was my least favorite of the bunch but still highly readable, and the 1870s New Year's Day was written so attractively, I couldn't stop looking. This, too, ended in a bittersweet way, as is Wharton's specialty. I just loved this collection and I'm very glad I own it.