The Age of Innocence

Set in New York upper society in the 1870's, The Age of Innocence spotlights Newland Archer, a young "man of means" bound to cultural duty and restraint. Engaged to cousin May, he cannot put down his unbounded feelings for Countess Ellen Olenska, his wife's cousin in an abusive marriage to a European lesser noble. "His whole future seemed suddenly to be unrolled before him; and passing down its endless emptiness he saw the dwindling figure of a man to whom nothing was ever to happen." This passage describes the role of a man in society of the time: emotionless, cool, restrained, robotic. Archer predictably chooses the life he was born to lead. But the last chapter describes his eldest son's opposite character born of rebellion to the society life, and Archer's last encounter with the path not chosen. Wharton's language and style eloquently describe the time, which pervades even the word choices she makes. Would we have chosen differently, given the circumstances?

Notwithstanding

Notwithstanding is a collection of short, but related humorous articles about the eponymous hamlet in England. You might consider it the "Lake Wobegon" of country England. I enjoyed reading this one on my recent trip to England, where the vestiges of small-town country English life appeared only if one looks very closely. There are no more men wearing bowler hats commuting into the City, but there may very well be nuns disregarding the speed limit, 42-year-old men living with their mothers, and cats chasing marauding moles. This book is a delightful summer read!

The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England

If you read a lot of English history, play medieval RPGs, or enjoy learning about other times and cultures, this is an interesting take on the days of knights and chivalry. Written like a travel guide, this book gives the background to medieval practices and beliefs. The culture of knights is explained thoroughly, as well as the roles and relationships between medieval women and men. The various castes of English society are explained, and the motivations of each toward religious practice, crime and their "betters". A fascinating read! I enjoyed reading this book during my recent trip to London, where the history came alive by seeing the places where it happened.