Read more general info about my book & writing club here.

The March selection is The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, a restrained and devastating novel about love, duty, and the quiet pressures of society. Oh, laaaaawd, let’s go.

“Set in 1870s New York, the story follows Newland Archer as he becomes engaged to the proper and sheltered May Welland, only to find himself drawn to the independent and unconventional Countess Ellen Olenska. What unfolds is a delicate examination of desire, reputation, and the rigid expectations of high society — where passion must often yield to propriety.”

This month’s pick began with a quote I stumbled upon on Pinterest — what seemed to be the closing lines of the novel. It was wonderful, so I searched the text to find its source, and this book appeared. Sometimes I believe books appear when they should. Sometimes a book finds you in the most unexpected ways, am I right? I’m excited to see what this one shall bring.

I’m the godmother to a girl named Edith, and my “sort-of"-grandmother” is called Doris, and has a wonderful daughter named Edith, which made me think about the name. It is a name I’ve always loved. That small, personal connection made finally picking up Edith Wharton feel even more special.

The questionnaire, with prompts and questions to complete during or after your reading, can be found here.

Prompts

1. “New York City to me is”
(Finish the sentence — a feeling, a memory, a mood, a secret, or whatever you want it to be)

2. “List the sentences (or words) you found most interesting”
(Write down any lines that grabbed you, surprised you, or made you pause — whatever stands out as memorable, or some words that are new to your vocabulary.)

Have fun reading, readers!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Xx,

Victoria (so much luv in dis club)