Aleksa's Book Review: Gilded

It astounds me how certain communities can develop a genius loci that self-reinforces over the centuries. Just as California is a place attracting those who want to make money fast, so Paris attracts the self-styled fashionista and artistic critic. But then there's places like Newport, Rhode Island that simply befuddle me.

This book explains the history of this small resort town from the revolutionary war to the late 2000s. With French soldiers stationing in the town and presenting fine officers' manners to the local populace, the same then decided to take it up to 11 with properness and etiquette, laying one of the thoroughest social minefields on the planet.

All manner of Wodehouse-ian intrigue happened over the decades - marriages agreed to but then broken up, and more parties and balls than could fit in a thousand tomes. Adultery, elitism and casual racism aside, I understand these people: they were extremely bored with the money they have and wanted their life to represent a drama.

It's a supremely quaint view of an isolated community throughout American history, reflecting how little the elite changes even in the most trying times. A very curious read that had me thinking for most of the duration.
7/10