The Age of Innocence

De: Edith Wharton

Narrado por: Joanne Woodward

A masterful portrait of desire and betrayal that takes place during the sumptuous Gilded Age, The Age of Innocence questions the morals and assumptions of elite 1870s New York society when "scandal was more dreaded than disease." Newland Archer, gentleman lawyer and heir to one of New York City's best families, is happily anticipating a highly desirable marriage to the beautiful but conventional May Welland—until May's exotic European cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska returns to New York society. Scandalously separated from her husband, the countess bears an independence and awareness of life which stirs the educated sensitivity of the charming Newland Archer, and he falls deeply in love with her. Torn between duty and passion, Archer struggles to make a decision that will either courageously define his life—or mercilessly destroy it.

Public Domain (P)1996 Phoenix Books, Inc.

Finest Performance

Who else but Joanne Woodward could narrate and read The Age of Innocence to listeners? Her performance, her smooth voice and her inflection and intonation were perfect. It was like listening to a radio program that drew you in and kept you there by the fire in a completely other world. What a way to listen to a classic read to you by a classic.

Woodward brings story to life

I have more than one version of this novel. I was disappointed in the story as it was told through a man‘s interpretation. I wish Joanne Woodward could have read the whole novel instead of a condensed version. She offers a touch of the theater, an infusion of appropriate emotion into this reading. I wish she had done more.

Great story great reading

Great performance and story. Well done with a nuanced reading . Good flow and pace same narrator as in the movie

Woodward performs a wonderful Wharton

I’ve never listened to a classic novel before. Hearing Joanne Woodward do the reading was such a treat.

Same narrator from the movie version

I got this because I thought the parts of Joanne Woodward's narration in Scorcese's film adaption werer a eally brilliant addition to the movie. I wish it wasn't an abridged edition but all the main story is there and it was very enjoyable.

First time listening to a favorite book.

I have read The Age of Innocence several times and watched Martin Scorsese’s movie adaptation at least twice. I picked this version of the audio book because I trusted that Joanne Woodward would be a reliable narrator and I wasn’t disappointed. Edith Wharton is a brilliant writer and portrayer of the New York society of her time. I recommend this book to first time readers and those, like me, for whom this is also a favorite.

Horrible narration.

All I can hear is what sounds like dentures rattling around in this woman’s mouth as he reads. She does fine doing voices etc but the mouth noises are awful. I can even listen to the book!