The Age of Innocence

In an era before the advent of electric lights, telephones or motor vehicles, there exists a small cluster of aristocratic "old revolutionary stock" families that rule New York's social life. Under the rules of this society, "being things" is better than "doing things" and reputation and outward appearances come at the exclusion of everything else. In this Gilded Age, when America’s expansion and increased industrialism produce a group of newly wealthy robber barons and financiers, the patient, time-honored values of the old ruling class, and century, are giving way to the expediencies of the new. Caught at this cusp, a triangle of lovers, who must choose between the expectations of family and society, and the deepest yearnings of the heart.

Newly engaged couple, Newland Archer, a young lawyer, and May Welland, a society debutante, are part of the old world, where the "right people" follow the "correct rules" and marry into "acceptable families." The arrival from Europe of May’s cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska, complicates their union, as Ellen’s mysterious past threatens to cast a shadow of scandal over the newly betrothed couple. Newland Archer, at first critical of Ellen's bohemian lifestyle, and her seemingly wilful ignorance of the rules and customs of his Old New York, is soon captivated by Ellen's warmth, spirit, and her generous and loving heart. Will he cast off the life for which he's been groomed, or sacrifice happiness for duty and the greater good of the social order?
(Summary by Brenda Dayne) (12 hr 32 min)

Chapters

Chapter 01	19:13	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 02	15:24	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 03	17:28	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 04	12:56	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 05	21:47	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 06	19:20	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 07	15:03	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 08	17:39	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 09	27:41	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 10	21:51	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 11	18:29	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 12	26:49	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 13	16:17	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 14	16:39	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 15	24:22	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 16	22:02	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 17	21:23	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 18	26:46	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 19	26:32	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 20	28:01	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 21	31:26	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 22	18:50	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 23	22:24	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 24	12:59	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 25	21:31	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 26	24:58	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 27	16:51	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 28	15:15	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 29	17:33	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 30	22:15	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 31	30:43	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 32	22:17	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 33	37:40	Read by Brenda Dayne
Chapter 34	42:08	Read by Brenda Dayne

Reviews

Splendid reading

(5 stars)

LeonMire

I am not much a fan of the novel of manners as a genre of literature, but I have to applaud Brenda Dayne's wonderful reading of this book. Her clear, serene voice made me like this novel against my inclinations, and if it were not for the Librivox disclaimers at the beginning, I could have easily mistaken it for a professional recording.

Wonderful

(5 stars)

marys44

Although a broad reader (both in hip and in library), I have avoided this one because I am not much taken with a swept-away love story. But I think Ms. Dayne could read the Farmer's Almanac and it would be beautiful, compelling, and totally enjoyable. I wish we could search by reader. Thank you Brenda and Librivox. -- mary s

Great Reading of a dull subject

(3.5 stars)

Jon Mark Wilson

I find this class of society described by Wharton to be much more interesting when it is pilloried in a murder whodunnit, or outright lampooned by PG Wodehouse. The romantic angst of Byronesque romantic wannabes in these novels of manners aren't that interesting after the first two or maybe three circular arguments between the star-crossed, dissatisfied lovers. I hope the lesson taken by readers is not this: that to keep one's vows one must be a hypocrite: I dare say May Welland is literature's most underrated heroine, even by her own creator. Bottom line, like the countess, I found this society boring, but enjoyed the quality of the recording immensely, a judgement Wharton herself might find ironically appropriate.

An enjoyable ride

(4 stars)

Bethany

Loved hearing about the opulence of 19th century New York! But I must confess the story was overall rather anticlimactic to me. I was disappointed. HOWEVER! Fantastic reader and of course tremendous writing! A fun and glamorous ride that sort of goes nowhere.

Could not put it down!

(5 stars)

A LibriVox Listener

Beautifully read, brilliantly written. There are some sincerely frustrating moments, and some portions are sad, but it is a lovely piece of literature. This is the first piece I have heard from this narrator and will definitely seek out more.

19th Century Social Intruigue

(5 stars)

Clearspace

Took 5+ chapters to start showing the tension between societal expectation and the desire for self realisation in American high society. Lots of psychological tension and twists.

(5 stars)

A LibriVox Listener

Agree that this is the best read book I have encountered on Librivox. And I have listened to many. The novel and reading are superb.