Customer Reviews

Old New York

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have just finished reading the four exquisite novellas in this set by Edith Wharton and, after drying the tears, I am ready to say that I was inthe company of genius. These stories, not just for women, are written about a time when manners and feelings counted. A time when things were slower, more thoughtful, people communicated, and issues to be dealt with were..these are the things Edith Wharton wrote about. The stories deal with topics people are still dealing with today in our so-called new age and new economy. But how they deal with their issues and how they relate can teach us a lot. Read these stories, weep, and learn. They are nothing short of magnificent!

This collection of 4 novellas is not one of Edith Wharton's best or best known books; however, OLD NEW YORK is a wonderful and varied good read. The best known of these stories is probably the OLD MAID, which was made into a 1939 movie starring Bette Davis. It chronicles the complex relationsip between cousins who join together to hide the origins of an orphan. I also really enjoyed NEW YEAR'S DAY, which tells of a young adulturous woman and the ramificantions her actions have on her entire life. The story reminded me a bit of THE AGE OF INNOCENCE in its heroine's sacrificing her life for the sake of appearances. THE SPARK is also terrific, but a bit stagey. It tells of a young man's fascination with an older successful man who is seen as a bit silly by others. Unfortunately, the book jacket (included on this site also) gives away a bit too much. The other story, FALSE DAWN, I found to be too predictable, and the writing was rather stilted. FALSE DAWN is the first story in this collection; if you find yourself not enjoying this story, stick with the book...it gets better!

Overall, this collection is likely to please fans of Edith Wharton and people who enjoy American literature from the early 20th century. Wharton is an superb author of the finest caliber, and I look forward to reading more of her books.

There is no doubt about it. Edith Warthon -- the stunning creator of amazing novels like The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth -- had outdone herself with Old New York. The four novellas in Old New York have similar themes: infidelity, jealousy and the always intriguing class system. I love all the stories, but I particularly like "New Year's Day," which focuses on an adulterous woman. I marvel at the fact that this story had probably caused some controversy in those times. I also enjoyed "False Down" and "The Old Maid." I know that this particular book is not as popular as -- oh, I don't know -- The Age of Innocence, but the timeless quality in the stories is definitely memorable. If you haven't given this wonderful book a whirl, please do!

Anyone that likes Edith Wharton should read these novellas. I like her full length stories better (ie. The Age of Innocence, Custom of the County, The Buccaneers) so, I gave this book four stars because the characters aren't as developed as I would like them to be.

We enjoyed this book , especially the story "The Old Maid". We are fans of Editith Wharton and this did not disappoint.

Wharton rarely disappoints. This is another anthology of novellas dedicated to the themes familiar to all Wharton readers - stifling constraints of Gilded Age New York society, utter dependence of women, etc.

The collection contains 4 stories, each set in a different decade of the 19th century. "False Dawn" deals with the consequences of being different, even in a trite matter of preference in art. "The Old Maid" is an interesting account of an aftermath of an illicit affair where two women are drawn into a very complex relationship raising an illegitimate child. "The Spark" explores (I think) an influence of a chance meeting on a man's character. "New Year's Day" is a story of a woman engaged in adultery whose reasons for being unfaithful are not quite what you expect them to be.

Unlike another anthology I recently read ("Roman Fever and Other Stories") this book is very uneven. "The Old Maid" and "New Year's Day" are the best, "False Dawn" a little underwhelming, but still good, and "Spark" is a definite disappointment (too unresolved and muddled). But nevertheless, Wharton, as always, delivers.

Once you've read all of the "A-list" Wharton novels several times over, it's a treat to tread on new ground. This isn't the best of La Wharton, but it's still the Maitresse, and she sure knows how to string a sentence together. If you haven't read any of her major novels, go order The House of Mirth or The Age of Innocence. But if you've been around the Wharton block a couple of times, order this one for an infusion of new blood.

I love the quality of the item. Thank you. I will purchase from you again.

Old New York is a series of short stories set in the late 1800's in New York. The characters are society families and most are very wealthy. The Vanderbilts and Astors were members of this group and the book details their lives, homes, formal balls, etc. Mrs. Wharton and her family were members of this elite group. The stories are fascinating since they depict a long ago glamorous life.

I feel bad giving this book three stars while everyone else here raved about it, but I had a rough time getting through it. I received this book for Christmas (it was on my wish list) and thought I'd really enjoy it based on what everyone else had to say about it. But it was in fact very hard to get through, and at a few points I found myself nodding off. Not to mention it was a bit hard to follow at times. I realize each story takes place in the mid-to-late 1800's, but the language of the day is kinda difficult to understand sometimes.

I also don't think it helped that the first of the four stories in this book (False Dawn) was my least favorite. It was very predictable, and my mind kept wondering throughout the story. The other three tales weren't bad, but even the best of the four 'Old Maid' (which was made into a Betty Davis movie) was slow-going.

In the end, I just don't think this is my kinda reading. I have a few other books by this author, including 'House of Mirth', but am now a little reluctant to pick them up. I think I'll give it some time before I dig into another Edith Wharton book again. Though I wasn't overly pleased with the experience, I sure hope you have better luck with it.