The House of Five Talents

Interesting family history of the heavily-monied New York Millinder family told by second generation old-maid Augusta late in her life, an attempt to tell the reality of the story before it is watered down by others in the younger generations. I am always intrigued by these uber-wealthy families and their struggles to function and survive within the constraints of 'acceptable society.' Flagrant excesses, marriages of convenience, child neglect, marital affairs, all executed in the guise of appropriate moral behavior. Gussie's attempts to inflict true moral values on an otherwise corrupt cast of family characters make for some great battles of will. The whole era of opulent Newport mansions, multi-month European trips, servants and the show more sport of keeping up appearances has always struck a chord with me and i can never seem to get enough. There are some definite similarities to Edith Wharton in this, which is not completely unexpected from one of her respected biographers. I will look forward to more Auchincloss in the future. show less