The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

New York, New York - a wonderful town - here depicted from the point of view and life style of the wealthy high society in the 1870s. It is a fascinating mannered, historical view of this iconic metropolis outlining the day to day lives and concerns of the very privileged and wealthy of Dutch,French and English heritage. Washington Square, Fifth Avenue, On the Hudson and Newport - locations to conjure with. Edith Wharton herself grew up in this society and class and I think presents a warm view via her many characters and the detailed pictures of their surroundings and way of life. Whilst I dont think this is humorous as such there is considerable irony and some parody of several of the family situations and characters.

The book was published in 1920 - Wharton had lived and worked hard for dispaced persons in her chosen home town of Paris during World War 1 so she had seen great social change first hand. She had not lived a simple or an idle life herself by any means. The changes that were to come in New York society after 1870 would therefore be seen clearly by readers in 1920 when the book was published - overall , as mentioned, I think it is a warm picture but not a sentimental one.

The main plot revolves around a romance which has more in common with the grand Russian romance stories of Pushkin and Tolstoy than say, Austen. I thought the author portrayed Newland Archer well - I was caught up in the drama of the romance and the way in which the author uses the device to portray her key individuals, their beliefs and their relationships. Archer's thinking is narrated throughout the story so we can get to know a lot about him. The two main female characters - May Welland and Countess Olenska - are vital to the purpose of the book in examining the way in which the individuals live out and maintain their family and societal obligations.

The structure of the work - with smallish chapters - seems to suit the scenic , almost theatrical style of book . In fact one of the continuous activities in the book is theatre going. Along with the strong emphasis on the importance of belonging to the right tribe and doing the right thing by the family - the deep sense of business probity was a little surprise to me. However a career in politics as such was not worthy of the gentlemen of this group ( and it is interesting to note that the period is just after the Civil War which is mentioned only briefly in the book). A new generation has taken its place at the end of the story and all manner of changes are afoot.

The authors control of the narrative is tight and the style is fluid and for me, very enjoyable and easy to read. I think it is a powerful social and psychological look at a very particular group in society in a very particular City at an interesting time in its history. What do you think of this American classic?

JOHNNO by David Malouf

Johnno is Maloufs first novel - published in 1975. It is set mostly in Brisbane in the 40s and 50s. This is a Brisbane of colonial, weatherboard, verandah homes and pubs - even in the City Centre. After studying at University the young narrator travels and works in Britain for several years - then comes home to find a Brisbane already changing in say, the late 50s. The story is about young people, their relationships and change - it has many sub themes - friendship of young males, the mythology and pull of place and its effect on us, the difficulty of understanding others . The eponomous Johnno is a character who fascinates the narrator - a school companion of his at Grammar school in Brisbane. The novel follows them for a couple decades as their lives touch from time to time in Australia and Europe and then back to Brisbane. Exploration of the narrator's views and adventures with Johnno and often, despite Johnno, form the intellectual basis of the plot . The sense of place and environment are palpable. I could feel the heat of the day at times with powerful descriptions such as coming out into the glaring Brisbane sun from a cool , dark interior. There is a wonderful description of the old State Library and its clientele ,in chapter 5, which must be essential reading for all Queensland librarians - and the rest of us can identify and enjoy it too. "The Library had its own people. You never saw (them) anywhere else in the City...." will ring a clear bell with most of us. By the way - Malouf's descriptions and settings are lovingly detailed with a poets eye.

I found it a very satisfying and challenging read. It provides strong incites to relationships and personal development - however I have some questions . The big one for me is - is Johnno believable ? And does the narrator pull off the relationship fixation ? - I just about think he does but I would love to hear others views.

David Malouf , b 1934, has a most impressive body of work which now includes several novels , short stories along with volumes of poetry, memoirs and libretti. He has won international literary prizes and several Australian prizes . There are many literary criticisms and biographical notes on him in databases and web sites. Johnno is in print - Penguin at $22.95 (approx 170 pp) and is readily available in most Australian libraries. As a major Australian writer who has never ceased to explore the options of style and genre in developing his communication - it is important and enjoyable to look at where he started.I recommend it the experience.