The Age of Desire

In Fields’s delicate and imaginative fourth novel (after Crossing Brooklyn Ferry), Edith Wharton struggles with the passion she feels for Morton Fullerton. Trapped in an unhappy marriage to the increasingly erratic manic-depressive Teddy, Edith is both fascinated and frightened by Morton’s push-pull flirtations, his attentions tapping into parts of her she didn’t know existed, since conjugal relations with Teddy have always been unpleasant. Edith’s former governess Anna, now her friend, confidant, and secretary, is worried about Edith’s susceptibility to Morton’s flattery, and draws closer to Teddy, whom she believes Edith treats unfairly. As Edith gets more involved with Morton, she sends Anna off to explore her own life, a “gift” that means she won’t have to face her friend’s disapproval. The layered dynamics of these characters add texture to scenes ranging in setting from London to Paris to The Mount in Lenox, locations that either compliment or contrast with what unfolds. The book’s only flaw is the choice of present tense, which draws unwanted attention to the time period and pushes readers out just when they should be pulled in. Still, Fields’s love and respect for all her characters and her care in telling their stories shines through. Agent: Lisa Bankoff, ICM. (Aug. 6)