The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields. “Historical fiction about Edith Wharton's affair at age forty-five with a young journalist. A dual narrative story from the perspectives of Edith and her governess-turned-secretary, Anna Bahlmann. The narrative, which covers the years 1907-1910 (though with frequent flash-backs to earlier periods), takes the reader to Paris, England and Mrs. Wharton's beautiful estate in Lenox, Massachusetts. I enjoyed the glimpses of the exalted literary circle in which Wharton ran (Henry James, a good friend, makes frequent appearances). The novel also lifted the veil on her unfortunate marriage to Teddy Wharton. His vulnerability and deteriorating mental condition were poignant, and the portrayal of her reaction to them was candid and real. Ms. Bahlmann, who was not mentioned in Wharton's autobiography, was clearly a critical figure in her life, someone who mitigated the pain caused by Wharton's cold, indifferent mother. It's very beachy historical fiction. Vivid details provide backdrop and context, but the reader doesn't feel obliged to take notes and prepare for an examination. (And the descriptions of Wharton's torrid affair put it on the "Other Boleyn Girl" side of the historical fiction spectrum.)”
