By Уортон Эдит
Edith Wharton, 2019
The Age of Innocence, Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, intricately portrays a society on the cusp of change, exploring themes of love, duty, and the constraints of social expectations in Gilded Age New York. Through the eyes of Newland Archer, the novel dissects the rigid social codes and unspoken rules that govern the lives of the city's elite. Wharton masterfully uses satire to expose the hypocrisy and superficiality of this world, while simultaneously creating a poignant and sympathetic portrayal of characters trapped by its conventions. The arrival of Countess Olenska disrupts the established order, forcing Archer to confront his desires and question the life he has always known. This edition includes an introduction by Rachel Cusk, offering contemporary insights into Wharton's enduring masterpiece.
The novel serves as a historical record, capturing the manners, customs, and values of a bygone era. It provides a lens through which to examine the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of navigating societal expectations. Wharton's detailed descriptions and keen observations bring the world of old New York to life, making it a compelling and immersive reading experience.