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Loading... The Old Maid (1924)by Edith Wharton
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. As her wedding day approaches, Charlotte Lowell reveals a long-hidden secret to her cousin, Delia Ralston: the foundling that she has been visiting as a charity project is actually her own daughter, born as the result of a brief affair with one of Delia's former beaux. (Don't worry--no spoilers; this is something you learn in the first few chapters, and I promise to give nothing else away.) The reactions, decisions, and solutions that follow will deeply affect the lives of the two women, as well as that of the little girl, Tina. As so often, Wharton sets her story in upper crust New York society at the end of the nineteenth century, a world propelled by money, property, lineage, and rigid rules of etiquette. But the most interesting aspect of The Old Maid is the shifting relationship between the cousins, Delia and "Chatty" (Charlotte). Wharton delves deep into their psychology, exploring their fears, resentments, and motivations over the course of twenty years, all of them revolving around the often conflicting values of maternal love and family loyalties. This is, as another reviewer noted, a sentimental story--but not in a maudlin, melodramatic way. I consider it a fine addition to my Wharton shelf. It was grueling to read this novella. Set in the upper crust of society in New York in the late 1800s, two cousins end up in a convoluted relationship. Secrets and sacrifices emotional suffering which is described exquisitely by the author. Once again Wharton's wonderful writing illuminates the status of women socially and psychologically. Poignant and moving, this is now a favorite of mine. no reviews | add a review
Is contained inThe Edith Wharton omnibus by Edith Wharton (indirect) Has the adaptation
A novella, classical Wharton, following the life of Tina, a passionate young woman caught between her adopted mother, the socially proper Delia, and her Aunt Charlotte, her true mother who gave up her claim to the young child to provide a socially acceptable life for her daughter. This unique Modern Library edition includes an introduction by Roxana Robinson, a reading group guide, text set from the original Red Book serial and comprehensive endnotes No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)813.52Literature English (North America) American fiction 20th Century 1900-1944LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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While it's not as good as Ethan Frome, The Old Maid is of a similar length, probably even shorter, and really EF is a hard act to follow. Edith Wharton tells the simple story beautifully. I didn't feel like the story was predictable, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Wharton's tetralogy. ( )