Title: The Scarlet Letters
Author: Louis Auchincloss
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pub Date: 2003
Read: Feb 2011
Source: borrowed from the Mid Manhattan Library
Why: I’ve read one other book by Auchincloss that was pretty good. His work is clever and scathing, a lighter Edith Wharton
Fulfills Challenge? No.
Notes: I just noticed that Auchincloss died on my birthday (Jan 26) and just one day before J.D. Salinger. Updike died exactly one year before Salinger. What gives? Is my birthday the center around which writers die? :|
Review/Thoughts:
Nothing is as it seems. This is only my second Auchincloss, but I think I like this guy. The Scarlet Letters moves at a fast clip — starting in the middle actually, before throwing us back into the past, and continuing from there, eventually propelling past the opening scene. Auchincloss is capable though and though I almost wish he hadn’t given us the backstory, it’s actually interesting enough that he can get away with it. The story is clever and funny and doesn’t take itself too seriously. As mentioned above, he kind of reminds me of a lighthearted Edith Wharton: they tackle much of the same subject matter. Wharton is clearly the superior writer, but Auchincloss is still sharp and observant and enjoyable. A quick read, recommended it if you like your light reading to have a touch of substance or social commentary but without any of the heavy handedness. Also recommended if you enjoy shaking your head at rich people.
Final Verdict: 
