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Book reviews for "Croft,_Michael_John" sorted by average review score:

Suicide Prevention: The Challenge Confronted: A Manual of Guidance for the Purchasers and Providers of Mental Health Care
Published in Paperback by The Stationery Office (1996)
Authors: Richard Williams, H. Gethin Morgan, John Coleman, Michael Farrar, Peter Hill, Michael Kerfoot, and Jenny Croft
Amazon base price: $30.00
Used price: $2.43
Collectible price: $3.00
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Average review score:

Terrific Wharton Collection
This collection of 4 novellas is not one of Edith Wharton's best or best known books; however, OLD NEW YORK is a wonderful and varied good read. The best known of these stories is probably the OLD MAID, which was made into a 1939 movie starring Bette Davis. It chronicles the complex relationsip between cousins who join together to hide the origins of an orphan. I also really enjoyed NEW YEAR'S DAY, which tells of a young adulturous woman and the ramificantions her actions have on her entire life. The story reminded me a bit of THE AGE OF INNOCENCE in its heroine's sacrificing her life for the sake of appearances. THE SPARK is also terrific, but a bit stagey. It tells of a young man's fascination with an older successful man who is seen as a bit silly by others. Unfortunately, the book jacket (included on this site also) gives away a bit too much. The other story, FALSE DAWN, I found to be too predictable, and the writing was rather stilted. FALSE DAWN is the first story in this collection; if you find yourself not enjoying this story, stick with the book...it gets better!

Overall, this collection is likely to please fans of Edith Wharton and people who enjoy American literature from the early 20th century. Wharton is an superb author of the finest caliber, and I look forward to reading more of her books.

Four great stories from Edith Wharton
Anyone that likes Edith Wharton should read these novellas. I like her full length stories better (ie. The Age of Innocence, Custom of the County, The Buccaneers) so, I gave this book four stars because the characters aren't as developed as I would like them to be.

The story-telling talents of Edith Warthon!
There is no doubt about it. Edith Warthon -- the stunning creator of amazing novels like The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth -- had outdone herself with Old New York. The four novellas in Old New York have similar themes: infidelity, jealousy and the always intriguing class system. I love all the stories, but I particularly like "New Year's Day," which focuses on an adulterous woman. I marvel at the fact that this story had probably caused some controversy in those times. I also enjoyed "False Down" and "The Old Maid." I know that this particular book is not as popular as -- oh, I don't know -- The Age of Innocence, but the timeless quality in the stories is definitely memorable. If you haven't given this wonderful book a whirl, please do!


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