My knowledge of Edith Wharton’s work has been, sadly, just limited to movie productions of her novels, but thanks to the Slaves of Golconda I finally read one of her novels. This month we are discussing The Glimpses of the Moon so if you’ve read it or just want to read more about it, please check out the blog posts at the Slaves blog or head over to the MetaxuCafe Forums.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From what I’ve read online, Edith Wharton was known for combining her insider’s view of America’s privileged classes with a brilliant, natural wit to write humorous and incisive novels and short stories (thanks to Wikipedia). I think that perfectly describes Glimpses of the Moon.

In Glimpses of the Moon Susy Branch and Nick Lansing make a pact to be able to take advantage of their friends’ generosity towards newlyweds. You see, both have friends and connections with the wealthy set but they themselves don’t have the funds to support the lifestyle they enjoy. So, they marry and receive generous wedding gifts in the forms of guest houses, dinners, trips and other privileges. Susy and Nick enjoy each others company and their friends seem so happy to help them out that it seems it is a just exchange.

It seems so good in fact, that Susy thinks they should extend their marriage even longer to keep enjoying the good life.

“But at the present moment her animosity was diminished not only by the softening effect of love but by the fact that she had got out of those very people more–yes, ever so much more–than she and Nick, in their hours of most reckless planning, had ever dared to hope for. “After all, we owe them this!” she mused. Her husband, lost in the drowsy beatitude of the hour, had not repeated his question; but she was still on the trail of the thought he had started. A year–yes, she was sure now that with a little management they could have a whole year of it! “It” was their marriage, their being together, and away from bores and bothers, in a comradeship of which both of them had long ago guessed the immediate pleasure, but she at least had never imagined the deeper harmony.”

Of course, the plan won’t be as easy as that and soon the two will be wondering what just happened to their relationship. Nick and Susy have different perspectives on what is right and wrong but they never seem to talk and so there are just many misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Will the two end up seeking a divorce? Will they resolve their differences or go their separate ways and will they forever be chasing after the good life? Well, you’ll have to read this slim novel to find out.

For me Susy was an especially interesting character. I think she was genuine and did the things she did not out of malice but because it just seemed like that was the way for her to survive. She’ll have learned a lot of lessons the hard way by the end of the novel. Nick, on the other hand, seems to think of himself as the one with a moral compass yet I don’t believe he was any better than Susy. As a matter of fact, I blamed him for a lot of Susy’s heartache.

This novel is a wonderful glimpse of life in a different era. I found it amazing really that Nick and Susy could pull off a year-long honeymoon thanks to their friends. And, overall it made me think of how people can muck up relationships all because there is a lack of communication.

A wonderful read and now I’m very excited because I still have so many Wharton books yet to discover.

And, the winners of my small handmade journals (thanks to Random.org) are Jenclair and Literary Feline – Congrats!

Now, I have a ton of book reviews I want to share but again I’m behind on those so for now bear with me while I give you another book list. I’ve been catching up on the latest in books via Bookmarks Magazine, Borzoi Reader and of course the new shelves at the library. These are some of the books that are now on my TBR list… If you’ve read these let me know what you thought.

• I Was Told There’d Be Cake by Slone Crossley. I don’t normally read essays but this collection sounds like a good one and ok, I admit I love that title!
• The Sister by Poppy Adams. A story of two sisters and a dark past.
• Walla Walla Suite by Anne Argula. A story about a hard-boiled, fast talking P.I. Again, not one I’d normally read but this sounds kind of fun.
• The Cairo Diary by Maxim Chattam. This is supposed to be a page-turning thriller from France. I do love a good mystery set in distant lands so I’m all for this one.
• On Account of Conspicuous Women by Dawn Shamp. A story of four young ladies living in North Carolina in 1920. That’s a pretty good title too isn’t it?
• Harpsong by Rilla Askew. A portrait of a marriage.

Have you added some new books to your wish list? Do share.

This weekend I have a bunch of stuff going on that I can’t get out of but with any luck I’ll be able to finish The Glimpses of the Moon. I was having some yucky insomnia the other night and was able to catch up in this story quite a bit. I’m loving it so far. Have a great weekend all!

A big virtual hug to all of you who stopped by to wish me a happy bloggiversary. Seriously, you guys know how to make a Bookgirl feel special. I know I’ve been slacking off in my blog visiting and posting but it’s because I’m in Dallas this week and have been busy with bookbinding and family stuff. I look forward to catching up with you guys to see what you’ve been reading and what I need to add to my wish list.

And, I haven’t forgotten that I need to announce a couple of winners of my handmade journals but I’m saving that for tomorrow so stay tuned. Speaking of handmade books, I finally finished my big book I was working on a couple of months ago. My camera equipment is in Austin though so I’ll post pictures over the weekend. Of course, I’m working on another project and this time it’s a woven boards binding technique. I’ll keep you posted on how that one comes along. I’ve already seen some finished journals with this binding and they are pretty.

Remember I said I’d probably go visit the library when I was back in Dallas? Well, I did. I spent a good part of the evening sitting in one of those comfy couches and with a hazelnut latte in hand. Ah, that was very nice.

I also picked up some books and even an audio book. Yes, I’m giving audio books another chance. I am going to try and listen to it when I’m busy at my craft table making journals. Here’s what I got:

• The Collaborator of Bethlehem by Matt Beynon Rees
• Billy Boyle by James Benn
• Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler (audio)
• The Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton (for the Slaves discussion)

I’m off now to get started on one of these books.