"A story within a story, but with a difference. The main character finds himself, as do so many people, in a marriage that died before "I do" had passed into history. But in "those" days divorce was not possible. Enter the girl that would...if she could... define his life, make things wonderful, create all the elements that we list as essentially perfect for the condition of love; deep and lasting and painfully wonderful and elusive love. And she does as only Edith Wharton can set out in language so sublime, you can feel the pulse of all and know the strain. You can taste the pain! I kept the hope that he might have the courage to do what was needed... and that's the story of this book, the balance between right and wrong, good and evil, love and despair....life and long-term dead end nothingness, I wish I could read it for the first time....again. I envy you."
-- Gray King