In the Gilded Age in New York, society was the province of women and they jealously guarded their prerogatives. They sought to enhance their position using extravagant parties, clothes and jewels. The men were at their mercy. As Caroline Aster, THE Mrs. Aster, thinks when angry with her husband. He will do what I want because he knows I can get him banned from all the best parties, boards, and from his clubs.
The two women at the top of this social pyramid were Caroline Aster and Alva Vanderbilt. Caroline was a member of the old money Knickerbockers. Alva was from the South, married to a new-money Vanderbilt. Caroline was confident in her control of society, but Alva was brash and determined. She wanted to be at the top of the heap also and was willing to do anything to achieve it.
This is a fascinating, in-depth look at two strong women. Because society was the only avenue where women, particularly wealthy women, could achieve, they used their talents as ruthlessly as any man to gain and keep control of their position. In spite of their wealth and prestige, not all was happiness in their families. Extra-marital affairs, rebellious daughters, and the constant fight to maintain position give the book plenty of action. They also show how these women grew and changed over the years.
One novelty of this presentation was the inclusion of the viewpoint of Society as a counterpoint of that of Caroline and Alva. I enjoyed those short excursions. It was almost like the Greek Chorus setting the stage to better understand the era.
I received this book from NetGalley for this review.
No comments:
Post a Comment