Publisher's Synopsis
The novel opens in 1870s New York on a January evening. All of New York's high society is gathered for a production of Gounod's opera Faust, including Newland Archer, recently engaged to pretty May Welland. The appearance of May's cousin, the controversial Countess Olenska, who is-gasp!-separated from her husband, causes a stir in New York society and turns Newland Archer's world upside down. It does not turn his frown upside down, however.Countess Olenska settles in a bohemian neighborhood and leads an unconventional lifestyle. Remember that unconventional in 1870s New York essentially means she eats her fish course with a salad fork. Serious faux-pas.Over the course of the next few weeks, Newland finds himself having the hots for Countess Olenska. In an effort to get over his attraction to her, he flees to the Wellands's vacation home in St. Augustine, Florida, to persuade May to speed up their wedding date. Cool strategy, bro. But when he returns to New York he finds himself unable to get over Madame Olenska.
