Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton

We first meet impulsive and pretty Susy and handsome, thoughtful Nick when they are enjoying a honeymoon in a villa on Lake Como, lent to them by good friends. Impecunious but ambitious to enjoy the elegance of New York society, Susy and Nick actually live the 'high life' on the welfare of other generous people. Susy has no problem with this but when Nick starts to have scruples and Susy realises the empty existence of a life built on other people's glamour and money, can their marriage last? 

I can see why I went through an Edith Wharton phase after going to see The Age of Innocence! I haven't read this one before, though. Susy and Nick are wonderful character studies, and Wharton dissects the moral bankruptcy of the New York elite with wit and charm but it's also a poignant story as Susy struggles to rise from the depths of despondency and guilt. The exotic settings are also beautifully described.

This was a lovely book, worth reading again and again. The writing just trips along even when Susy and Nick are utterly miserable 

I received this free ebook from Edelweiss.plus in return for an honest review.