The Age of Innocence

By: Edith Wharton

Narrated by: Alan Munro

Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel set in upper-class New York City.

Newland Archer, gentleman lawyer and heir to one of New York City's best families, is happily anticipating a highly desirable marriage to the sheltered and beautiful May Welland. Yet he finds reason to doubt his choice of bride after the appearance of Countess Ellen Olenska, May's exotic, beautiful 30-year-old cousin who has been living in Europe. This novel won the first ever Pulitzer awarded to a woman.

Public Domain (P)2015 Trout Lake Media

Chapter 32

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I have been trying to get through this book for quite a while. I thought that an inexpensive audio version might help - and it did. I've now finished the book. But I'm pretty sure that chapter 32 was actually Huckleberry Finn, not Age of Innocence. I'd love the actual chapter 32 next time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Age of Innocence?

Well, the restraint of passion in the service of what one thinks is right is always memorable.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Alan Munro?

I found Alan Munro difficult. I had to imagine him as a well-meaning friend, and this worked pretty well because I do love to be read to. But he stumbled over simple sentences, mispronounced critical words. He was lovable, but really didn't bring the narrative to life.

Any additional comments?

Give me chapter 32 : )

Don't buy

Horrible recording. Not only was the performance sloppy but there was a chapter from huckleberry Finn inserted into the middle

Mistake purchase

Wharton's story is interesting, but I would have skipped this audio version. The readers voice is flat and difficult to hear during dialogue. Volume has to be adjusted constantly.

Beautiful story well told.

What made the experience of listening to The Age of Innocence the most enjoyable?

It is a story of people with whom I can identify. Their life situations are well described and plausible. The setting is New York in the 1800's but it is also relevant to modern times. It is
a timeless story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Age of Innocence?

The ending was, for me, most poignant.

What about Alan Munro’s performance did you like?

Clear diction

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Life and love in New York