Taylor Caldwell sets This Side of Innocence in the era of bustles and Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, but this odd tale of a dysfunctional family packs all the punch of a Netflix® drama.
Seeking happiness, the characters try the old standbys—sex, fulfilling work, filial duty—and still there’s something missing.
This Side of Innocence by Taylor Caldwell
Scribner’s 1946. 499 p. 1946 bestseller #2 .My grade A-.
After his son opts for a life of profligacy, a widowed banker adopts a cousin, Alfred Lindsey, as his heir.
When it appears Alfred may marry, Jerome comes back to the family home.
Unable to stop Alfred’s marriage, Jerome experiences a sudden desire to go into banking. Soon, he finds he like banking almost as much as he likes Alfred’s wife, Amilie.
When Amilie becomes pregnant by Jerome, Alfred divorces her.
Amilie marries Jerome.
They all live unhappily ever after.
The qualities that put This Side of Innocence on the 1946 bestseller list are untarnished by time.
The unusual plot is peopled by fascinating—though not likable—characters with complex and often confused motives.
Caldwell adds insightful musings on timeless themes like love, integrity, and tact.
The result is a novel with real staying power.
Look for it at your local library.
©2016 Linda Gorton Aragoni
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