A Certain Age: A Novel

I recently read, and.thoroughly enjoyed, "Cocoa Beach" by Beatriz Williams, and did not discover until the end of that novel, that "A Certain Age" had preceded it. I liked this one even more. Together they tell the story of the two "patent princesses" and the changing times immediately following WWI. This novel tells the story of Sophia Fortescue, the younger of the two sisters, and the novels have overlapping timelines. A Certain Age is narrated in part by Theresa Manning, an Manhattan socialite in her 40s; her jaded, cynical, and arched tone really convey the mores of the early 1920s. Theresa seems to be an incredibly selfish and manipulative character, not likeable but witty, terribly sophisticated, and pretty interesting. Another strand of narration is through a newspaper columnist: that thread is rather a Greek chorus, giving society's commentary on the events and characters encountered. The third point of view is that of Sophie, the ingenue, who is engaged to Theresa's playboy brother Ox. Sophie, as initially presented, is.The innocent lamb being led to slaughter - or at least marriage to a cad. Sophie is more interesting and complicated than expected, and her character really develops.The setting and details conjure up the esthetic of the Roaring 20s and the lost generation in New York in a believable and fascinating fashion. The main characters were all memorable and had depth, (well, except for a bad guy or two, and maybe Ox, who was terribly shallow, as he was supposed to be.) The narration did jump around in time and between narrators, with a few cliffhanger chapter endings, and the plot was engaging as well: it was somewhat unpredictable, contained a few surprises, and after the first few chapters it took me to tolerate Theresa's tone, it kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. I loved the setting and details of the 1920s. And I particularly enjoyed the witty quotations from Helen Rowland, a writer of that era, that introduced each chapter. I now find myself wanting to read more of Ms. Rowland's work, since her takes on men and women and marriage were such fun. All in all, this was quite a good read

Delicious! Delectable! Daring! Oh, dahling...you simply must read this. Great literature it is not, but it is so much fun. So between Joyce Carol Oates, Jane Austen and Anne Tyler (all of whom I highly recommend), read this sinfully delightful book by Beatriz Williams.It's the dawn of the Roaring '20s where sex (not necessarily with your spouse), drink and other shenanigans rule the day. The rules of society are changing. The plot is complex (so I won't even try to summarize it here--you can read that easily enough elsewhere), and the writing keeps up the pace in what turns from a love story/love triangle to a murder mystery (with exciting twists and turns) and then back to the love story/love triangle. Williams brilliantly captures the aura of these freewheeling times from the sordid speakeasies to the grand parties in elegant Fifth Avenue apartments that are mansion-like in size.This is a fun, easy read--ideal for the beach or a snowstorm. This is the classic "can't-put-it-down" novel. Get it!

It's New York City, 1922. The bathtub gin is flowing, the jazz bands are playing and Mrs. Teresa Marshall of Fifth Avenue, age 44, is having an affair with 22 year old Octavian Rofrano, a decorated WWI air force pilot.When Teresa's brother Jay informs her that he wishes to marry the 19 year old heiress, Sophie Fortescue, and he therefore needs a Cavalier to present his suit, Teresa has the brilliant idea that he should send Octavian. Young, handsome Octavian goes to present an engagement ring to innocent, new money Sophie, on Jay's behalf. As luck would have it, Sophie and Octavian are quite taken with each other. They are, after all, similar in age and would be a more normal couple together, than with the people whom they are actually involved. And so begin the mounting complications of more forbidden love. (Because Octavian is already in one forbidden love affair with Teresa.)This book, however, is much more than a few love affairs. It is a story of family sagas, new money vs. old, secrets, lies, PTSD, and courtroom drama. To make matters even more complicated, there will be a murder trial, which will effect the lives of all of these people.I love stories that take place in the 1920's, and this one did not disappoint! I have read a few of Beatriz Williams' books, and this one, so far, is my favorite. Half way into this, I realized there was a sequel, which I ordered immediately. I'd recommend this for anyone who likes the 1920's, historicals and great, tangled love stories.

This is the first time I've read Beatriz Williams, but if all of her work is this captivating, I will read more. As I started the story, I thought it was going to be trite, a sensual bit of fluff that I would quickly lay aside; however, once Sophie came on the scene, I was hooked. Manhattan during the roaring twenties, a principled and sheltered young woman cast into the duplicity of New York aristocracy because of her father's new wealth, and the surprise of a murder mystery well into the book...let's just say that I didn't want the book to end. I could even forgive Ms. Williams's need for a couple of descriptive sex scenes. ( I feel that the caliber of her writing is tarnished by the details. )

Three quartes of the way through. Love it.

This novel kept me enthralled from beginning to end. It about, love, murder, desire, adventure, and loss, all wrapped up in a style of writing that is intelligent and poetic. This was an absolute pleasure to read and I look forward to more from Ms Williams.

A beautifully written book about an intriguing time in history. Fascinating characters caught up in a murder mystery - who could ask for anything more?

I wish Ms. Williams could write a book a month. I love her style and am never disappointed. This is the kind of read you never want to end.

I was rather disappointed with this book and I'm unlikely to recommend it but I'll pass it on.