Books matching: new york upper class
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- #1
Save:A beautifully written, quietly devastating classic - perfect for fans of smart, nuanced drama about love, duty, and society's invisible cages. Still worth reading for its wit and observations, even if 'happily ever after' isn't guaranteed.
'The Age of Innocence' by Edith Wharton is a novel set in New York high society in the late 1800s, focusing on the protagonist Newland Archer and his internal struggle between societal duty and personal desires. The book delves into themes of love, societal expectations, and individual freedom, as Archer navigates his engagement to May Welland while being drawn to the unconventional Ellen Olenska. Wharton's writing style is praised for its wit, intricate observations, and portrayal of the stifling nature of societal norms during that time period.
1920•395 pages - #2
Save:A quick but memorable read - elegantly written, bittersweet, and perfect for those craving complex characters and a timeless New York atmosphere. Don't expect the Hollywood fairytale; this is Capote at his sharp, stylish best.
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Truman Capote is a novella that follows the enigmatic and lost character of Holly Golightly, a young woman who captivates those around her with her charm and mystery. The story is narrated through the eyes of a struggling writer who falls in love with Holly, uncovering layers of complexity and depth to her character beyond her glamorous facade. Set against the backdrop of parties, playboys, and Tiffany's, the narrative explores themes of love, happiness, and the flaws within Holly's character. The book also includes three short stories, with "A Christmas Memory" standing out as a poignant tale of love and loss.
I am always drawn back to places where I have lived, the houses and their neighborhoods. For instance, there is a brownstone in the East Seventies where, during the early years of the war, I had my fi...1956•204 pages - #3
Save:A stylish, unsettling descent into paranoia and class anxiety. You might not enjoy every minute, but you won’t forget Mrs. March any time soon.
Mrs. March is a psychological thriller that follows the titular character, a New York upper-class housewife, as she spirals into paranoia and madness after suspecting that her husband's bestselling novel is based on her. The book delves into Mrs. March's delusions, her descent into psychosis, and her increasing inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Set against the backdrop of New York's upper class society, the novel explores themes of identity, perception, and the weight of societal expectations.
It was a large tome, the cover featuring an old Dutch oil painting of a young handmaiden touching her neck modestly. Mrs. March passed a rather impressive pyramid of hardcovers in the window of one of...August 2021•297 pages - #4
Save:A perceptive, bitterly funny classic of suburban malaise - perfect for lovers of feminist fiction and vintage New York stories, but less so for those craving fast-paced drama or tidy endings.
Diary of a Mad Housewife by Sue Kaufman is a novel set in 1960s New York City, following the life of Bettina Balser, a middle-class housewife and mother. The book explores Bettina's struggles with her husband's social climbing aspirations, her feelings of being unappreciated, and her journey towards understanding her own mental health. Through witty and satirical writing, the author delves into themes of feminism, societal expectations, and the challenges faced by women in that era.
1966•320 pages - #5
Save:'We Could Be Beautiful' by Swan Huntley follows the story of Catherine West, a wealthy and privileged woman in her early 40s who meets William Stockton, an old family friend. Catherine, who has had two failed engagements, is instantly smitten with William, who appears perfect on the surface. As their relationship progresses, doubts begin to creep into Catherine's mind about William's true intentions and past. The novel delves into Catherine's narcissism, her complex family dynamics, and the unraveling of secrets that challenge her perception of love and relationships. The plot unfolds slowly, building suspense as Catherine navigates through her affluent world filled with deceit and manipulation.
The writing style of 'We Could Be Beautiful' is characterized by sharp social observations and witty dialogue that bring to life the upper-class society of New York. The author, Swan Huntley, intricately weaves a tale of flawed characters, sibling rivalry, and the fine line between love and deception. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged as Catherine's privileged world unravels, revealing the darker aspects of her relationships and past.
I was rich, I owned a small business, I had a wardrobe I replaced all the time. I was toned enough and pretty enough. I moisturized, I worked out. I looked younger than my age. I had been to all the c...June 2016•361 pages - #6
Save:One Woman Show by Christine Coulson is a unique novel that tells the story of Kitty, a society woman in the 20th century, through single-paragraph descriptions reminiscent of museum labels. Each page presents a brief, artful look at Kitty's life, revealing her struggles against the expectations of beauty and objectification, while also commenting on the art world and the women's roles in it. The writing style is clever and concise, capturing a rich portrait of her character and the social mores of the time with a minimum of words.
Coulson's background at the Metropolitan Museum of Art shines through in this inventive format, which vividly illustrates Kitty's life as if she were an artwork to be observed and critiqued. The book's structure allows for deep reflection on themes of visibility and judgment, blending wit with poignant imagery. Though brief at just 208 pages—each page a new insight—it holds a depth that invites readers to appreciate the complexity of Kitty's experiences and the societal commentary woven throughout.
Kitty and the related examples in her garniture follow the precedent of earlier forms, ignoring the avant-garde of contemporary European movements like Cubism in deference to careful restraint and bal...October 2023•206 pages - #7The Norths Meet MurderBook 1 in the series:Mr. and Mrs. North
Save:An effortlessly charming slice of Manhattan mystery history - perfectly cozy and clever, though perhaps a bit light on suspense for die-hard noir or modern thriller fans.
'The Norths Meet Murder' in the series 'Mr. and Mrs. North' by authors Frances Lockridge, Richard & Frances Lockridge is a murder mystery set in 1930s New York City. The story follows Mr. and Mrs. North, an upper-class couple who stumble upon a dead body in a vacant studio they were planning to use for a party. Despite being potential suspects, the Norths befriend Lieutenant Weigand, the detective investigating the murder, and together they uncover intriguing clues, including lobsters, a little bit of letterhead, and an open window. The narrative combines elements of police procedural and amateur sleuthing, all while highlighting the social setting of the time through the lens of cocktails and social interactions.
MR. NORTH came home rather early that Tuesday afternoon, and as soon as he came in Mrs. North realized he was in a mood. He was, for one thing, annoyed about the weather, because it was behaving so ir...1940•262 pages - #8
Save:Steamy, heartfelt, and delightfully angsty - this is top-tier historical romance that’s perfect for anyone craving explosive chemistry and unconventional couples. Not flawless, but absolutely addictive!
'The Devil of Downtown' by Joanna Shupe is a historical romance set in the gilded age of New York City. The story follows the unlikely relationship between Justine, a do-gooder with a charitable heart, and Jack Mulligan, a ruthless Kingpin ruling over New York's underworld. Despite their differences, Justine seeks Jack's help in solving a case for her charity, leading to a complex and intense connection between the two characters. The book delves into themes of classism, violence, and the challenges of a forbidden romance between two individuals from opposite worlds.
The novel is praised for its compelling plot, engaging writing style, and the sizzling chemistry between the main characters, Jack and Justine. Readers are drawn into the story by the emotional depth of the characters, the well-paced romance, and the vivid portrayal of New York City in the 1800s. As the relationship between Jack and Justine unfolds, the book explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the power of love to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
She didn’t think about what to do next. Instead, instinct took over. She leaned away from the knife and threw out an arm, knocking the large hand away. Spinning, she made a fist and punched the attack... - #9
Save:A sharp, elegant, and emotionally layered classic - especially appealing for lovers of historical fiction, literary drama, and the subtleties of high society. Not every novella is a home run, but Wharton’s storytelling and insight make this a worthwhile and rewarding read.
Old New York by Edith Wharton is a collection of four novellas set in different decades of the 19th century, exploring the complexities of upper-class New York society at the time. Each novella delves deep into the social mores and moral dilemmas faced by the characters, showcasing Wharton's keen eye for human character and societal norms. The stories touch on themes of family relationships, societal expectations, sacrifices, and the clash between personal desires and societal constraints.
Wharton's writing style in Old New York is characterized by hyper-detailed, ironic, and merciless prose that dissects the societal context and individual struggles of the characters. The novellas offer a glimpse into the lives of individuals who challenge the rigid norms of their society, providing a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of defying societal expectations.
January 1924•308 pages - #10
Save:A beautifully written but often bleak and meandering classic - a fascinating look at the emptiness behind the Jazz Age sparkle. Worth reading for Fitzgerald’s style and insight, but don’t expect to fall in love with the characters.
The Beautiful and Damned is a novel that delves into the lives of a rich young couple, Anthony and Gloria, exploring their downward spiral of discontent, greed, and moral groundlessness. Set in the Jazz Age in New York, the book follows the characters as they await an inheritance, leading to a cautionary tale about depravity and decadence. Fitzgerald's writing style is described as decadent and flowery, with some finding it beautifully written but others finding it verbose and meandering.
IN 1913, WHEN ANTHONY Patch was twenty-five, two years were already gone since irony, the Holy Ghost of this later day, had, theoretically at least, descended upon him. Irony was the final polish of t...1922•414 pages
