"He sat for a long time on the bench in the thickening dusk, his eyes never turning from the balcony. At length a light shone through the windows, and a moment later a man-servant came out on the balcony, drew up the awnings, and closed the shutters.
At that, as if it had been the signal he waited for, Newland Archer got up slowly and walked back alone to his hotel."
(First Published 1920)
I've never read that one--I didn't even watch the movie all the way through. Sounds like a heartbreaking story, though, from what I've seen of the movie.
ReplyDeleteI don't recall reading this. Wharton won a Pulitzer for the novel, but it was controversial...
ReplyDeleteYou can read more here: http://blog.loa.org/2011/06/controversial-pulitzer-prize-brings.html
Boy talk about an opening line that leaves you wanting more
ReplyDeleteYes, it is quite good but a sad story I hear.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one but good lines.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
I like Newland's name :)
ReplyDeleteThose are very powerful closing lines Sharon - I can sense Newland Archer standing up, as if on a signal from the curtains closing in on the night light, to walk slowly back to his hotel - a place of transition I would imagine, or being in transit is what I really mean ..
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully written. But not a happy ending :(
DeleteI haven't read this one, but these lines create a vivid scene. It doesn't really sound like a happy ending type of story.
ReplyDeleteA very melancholy ending, so probably not a book I would like but the writing is superb.
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