July 23

The Innocents (2012)

By Francesca Segal

While this story is inspired by Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, it stands on its own as a tale of family, faith, temptation, and commitment.  Adam Newman is the Newland Archer character, newly engaged to his childhood sweetheart, lovely Rachel Gilbert, also the daughter of Adam's employer.  Rather than being set in old New York, Adam and Rachel live in a Jewish neighborhood of modern London, surrounded by dear friends and loving relatives.  Into this close-knit community comes Ellie Schneider, Rachel's beautiful cousin who has led an unconventional life in New York City, while still trying to cope with the loss of both her parents as a young girl.  After initially resenting Ellie, Adam is asked to help her resolve a legal problem and becomes smitten, and much of the story revolves around his ambivalent feelings.  The combination of a business failure and a beloved grandmother's health crisis combine to thwart Adam's plans and, in the end, like Archer, he is faithful to his wife, but it's clear he'll never forget Ellie.

This story is told with warmth and provides good insights into Jewish traditions like Passover and Purim. One character is a Holocaust survivor, providing depth and context.