Eddie Flynn from Brooklyn Book

I really love romances. The disdain I have shown over the years towards romance novels might conflict with this statement, but I truly adore a good love story. But why do I never find well-written, logical! (is that too much to ask?) but smutty romances? Why aren't there any novels as superbly written and plotted as The Glimpses of the Moon, but with some sexy in them?

So, The Glimpses of the Moon. Nick and Susy are a part of 1920th American high society, but they are penniless. They have no means of earning and supporting themselves financially, so they remain in the society thanks to patronage and assistance from their wealthy friends. Nick and Susy's only way to independence is to marry someone rich. When their paths cross and they find themselves attracted to each other, they devise a plan that is supposed to kill two birds with one stone. The couple would marry and mooch off of their wealthy acquaintances for a year or so, while they are honeymooning (because rich people are very generous towards newlyweds, showering them with money gifts and free villa rentals), and then, when they find better marriage options, they would free each other with no hard feelings. After a few months of happy honeymooning Nick and Susy have their first big fight, and instead of working things out, they both take it as a sign that it is time for them to part and seek other partners. Will they find the prosperity they crave? Or is there something between them that is worth more than titles and jewels?

Wharton's novels do not always translate well to present time. The sensibilities have changed. It is hard to imagine now people being unable to marry because there is no way for them to earn money. But there is an aspect of The Glimpses of the Moon that is as current now as it was a thousand years ago and. It is this - lack of communication in relationships, lack of desire to put effort into resolving conflicts.

This issue always finds a very strong response in me. Be that in Gone With the Wind, On Chesil Beach or on Kourtney and Kim Take New York . There is just something truly heartbreaking about couples losing each other because they are afraid to expose themselves emotionally, to humble themselves, to be vulnerable, to commit to a relationship, to put their best effort into it. It is so much easier to just walk away from problems and focus on something easier and shinier.

Same applies to Susy and Nick, who cannot find courage to say what they feel and ask for what they really want. Instead, they assume things of each other, they make a huge deal out of an argument that can be easily smoothed out. They almost lose the sight of what is truly important in life - companionship, love, trust. Not money. It is maybe a too romantic of a notion, but I believe in it.

I enjoyed The Glimpses of the Moon. I enjoyed it so much more because, unlike the majority of Edith Wharton's works, it does not end depressingly. If only there was some schmexing in it...