The Luxe - The Official Site :: letters-from-anna

Tuesday Feb 17, 2009

Posted at 07:34PM Feb 17, 2009 by Anna in General  |  Comments[45]

Hello out there,

I am here in the dusky depths of writing the fourth Luxe book, so it is such a wonderful (and motivating!) treat to hear from all of you, and to know that you’re reading Envy so enthusiastically. Thank you all so much for posting your thoughts. I noticed in particular a comment from one reader who mentioned that they were drawn into my series by their love for Edith Wharton, and were curious if there were any references to her work in my series. I was so pleased to see this, because reading Wharton was one of the big ways I was able to imagine late nineteenth century New York, and I always hope that fans of hers will find their way to my books, too. I had taken in The Age of Innocence and House of Mirth before I ever considered writing this series, but I began revisiting them for all their tiny details and big themes around the time I started writing my first book in earnest. Then I moved onto others of hers, including The Custom of the Country and Summer. I’m sure many of those tiny details led to details in my own books—one example is Lina’s trajectory from society girl to social secretary to waif in Envy, which is a sort of abbreviated version of Lily Bart’s fate, albeit with a happy ending.

This commenter also noted that Wharton isn’t given to happy endings, which is something of an understatement—those are some poignant, wrenching, nasty dénouements. I must say that, while I was inspired to imagine all manner of imagery by her work, I also found myself thinking that she must have been one mean lady. It can seem a rather dim view of humanity, especially when you’re reading a lot of her in a short time. But this is also what makes her great, that she is able to take in a whole society and yet see its minute cracks, to expose its hypocrisy which such articulate observation. I would never seriously compare myself to Wharton—my books are meant to be fun, breathless reads—and yet I could never have written The Luxe if her books didn’t exist. I think my greatest debt is to her exposure of the dishonesty of fine manners, and to her gigantic understanding of the soul-crushing bitterness of being a woman in an elite world that views her highest accomplishment as marrying well.

I should also add that I named Diana and Elizabeth’s aunt with her in mind—even though Aunt Edith isn’t temperamentally like the great writer, I enjoy the notion that this slightly batty older woman is in fact taking in all the foibles around her. Have others of you read Wharton, for school or otherwise? What do you enjoy about her novels?

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Comments:

First post woo hoo!! Anna! anything you can leak about Splendor? Is Lina on the cover? Will yo give Penelope the end she deserves? Wll Elizabeth and Diana be happy? AGH! So excited! Any movie offers?? kate

Posted by Katie on February 17, 2009 at 08:17 PM EST #

Wow. I don't believe I've ever read a book series where I wished I was in that time zone as much as your books. I personally wish I could have grown up in that time period, but you REALLY make these books thrilling :) Diana is defintely my all time favorite :) :)I just got Envy for Valentine's Day and I finished that day as well. I absolutely love your work. I would be amazing if you made a movie.... I would so audition for Diana! haha. Keep up the FANTASTIC work

Posted by Siobhan on February 17, 2009 at 10:27 PM EST #

WOW, I adore her noves but I absolutely love Age of Innocence I read it so fast and rented the movie right after I finished the book. The details are so fine, I cried so much for Newland and the Countess. Trajedies make me feel more whole I suppose I know that sounds weird it just seems like they connect with the real word instead of putting on a fake mask and saying everything is just perfect. When I read Hamlet my immediate thought was how Ophelia suffered and what a mixed up person Hamet was, I loved Horatio for his thinking through everything. I was going to ask you about any conection with AGe of Innocence but I didn't know how. And now words seem to jsut be spilling from me. I love Edith's books so much and your books are stunning as I've recorded in my other comments. But will your tale be a trajedy? I suppose I can't annticapate anything until Splender arrives, huh?

Posted by Aurora on February 17, 2009 at 11:27 PM EST #

I absolutely love the Luxe series, I can't wait till Splendor comes out, I got envy the day it came out a finished it within that week. So now I'm hoping Splendor comes out sometime soon. They are my favorite series, though, and I'm trying to get my friends to read them. They should. :-)

Posted by Amy on February 18, 2009 at 01:35 PM EST #

Love the Series!!!! I'm just hoping you don't stop after Splendor, it's too addicting, the series is.

Posted by Adriane on February 18, 2009 at 01:37 PM EST #

I cannot wait until Splendor comes out. I was finished Envy today, and I loved it. I really hope Diana does find Henry, and that Teddy will come back and marry Elizabeth. You're series are so addicting! I'm glad you don't want to stop writing them, so don't then, because your readers don't want to stop reading them!(: Thank you for giving us a look into the world of scandals, glamour, and love. I do look forward to reading Splendor.

Posted by Amber on February 18, 2009 at 04:48 PM EST #

Wow! I love your series! I've made about half my friends read them; lats night I got a text asking what the series was called again because they were at the book store looking for it! I agree that this should be made into a movie, but not one of those movies that doesn't follow the actual book and makes up characters and stuff. And I definatly think we're all looking for a little spill on Splendor; I definatly am! I'm crazy pumped to read it! Diana is without a doubt my favorite character out of any book I've ever read(your series is by far my favorite). Good luck writing the booming end to your series(if you want to keep going, thats fine with me:] haha) Can't wait to read it. Also, do you know when the last book is going to come out?

Posted by Alex on February 18, 2009 at 05:41 PM EST #

Anna! ADORED Envy and cant wait until Splendor!! Please give everyone a happy ending!! (at least those who deserve one! :-) Random idea...you are such an amazing writer it would be SO COOL if you could write a set of novels similar to that of the Luxe series...but IN THE SOUTH?? (civil war era maybe??) agh. just a thought. sorry to rant! E

Posted by Elizabeth on February 18, 2009 at 06:45 PM EST #

Hey! wow, I totally agree with what everyone just said. I don't think I've ever really read a book that actually made me say "*GASP* She didn't!" "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!?" and "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!?!" I mean, I've talked to books before like: Harry Potter, Twilight, but The Luxe made me scream! but in a good way!.... but not! lol! you know what I mean! Anywho, I know I'm ranting so, I'll let you go! But, I wanna know; have you considered The Luxe to be a flim? I know everyones probably bugging you with this question, but I'm just curious. Thanks for an AMAZING series! -Jazz PS: I actually got my sister to read the Luxe and she doesn't read that much! :D

Posted by Jazz on February 18, 2009 at 08:25 PM EST #

Shouldn't the section about the author say that she's working on the sequel to Envy?

Posted by Joanne Lee on February 18, 2009 at 09:58 PM EST #

Oh my goodness i finished Envy last night! DEFINTLY the best book of the series so far! I really get into your books, your an amazing author! I read for 3 hours straight last night just to finish your book, i had the worst headache of my life but i just could not put the book down! (the headache wasnt from reading im coming down with a cold...again) Anywho! This book got me so angry! PENELOPE! Ugh! I actually swore while reading your book last night, it was ridiculous! Its rare for me to speak outloud when i read a book, but when i do you know its a good read! I am upset that i have to wait a couple of months for Splendor but that just makes it even better! I love your writing style and im looking foreward to reading the fourth book to the series (which i was jumping with joy about, i cannot get enough!) and im looking foreward to new books you plan to write! THIS BOOK KICKS TWILIGHTS BUTT. Thank you for your amazing writing talents and i cannot wait to read some more! <333

Posted by Kaitlyn on February 19, 2009 at 08:24 AM EST #

I agree Luxe > Twilight

Posted by Kate on February 19, 2009 at 03:55 PM EST #

I am currently reading The Custom of the Country, which my Grandma gave me to read. The book reminded my a lot of yours! I made the connection immediately after meeting Undine Spragg. She distinctly reminded me of Lina Broud. I can't wait to read the next book!

Posted by PinkLimes on February 19, 2009 at 06:56 PM EST #

HI!!!!!!!!!!!!! hey i think u should defininently write another sereies almost like this one only about southern belles in the 1900s i would sooooooooo love it

Posted by yanni poo on February 19, 2009 at 08:37 PM EST #

SOUTHERN BELLES!!!!

Posted by Mary on February 19, 2009 at 09:13 PM EST #

Hi. First at all I'm really sorry if I write a school english but I'm actually french and well... I think the French are hopeless with foreign languages, but I really wanted to let a little something. I've seen the first book of the Luxe series one day in my familiar bookshop, just... like that. I mean it was on a display and I've been captivated by the cover. So mysterious & sensual at the same time. I don't really like the french title for the Luxe ("Rebelles"), I think it doesn't really fit, but I never refused to read a book because of its title ! It was a charming, refreshing & delightful reading during the last summer. It was so hard to waiting for the sequel (Rumors will be published february 25th and I suppose we must wait for the next year to read Envy - because of the delay of the translation), than I bought Rumors in english. (to be continued...)

Posted by Mara* on February 20, 2009 at 08:33 PM EST #

Well, I probably read english better than I can write or speak it and I'm glad to tell you, dear Anna, that your english - even if it's an american-english - is really & absolutely easy to read and understand even for a foreigner. And it was a real pleasure to can read your own words & not some arrangement due to the grammatical & syntactic differences. I have no idea of what could be the end of these incredible & amazing stories intertwined with the History (which is one of the reason I've been interested by reading the Luxe, I always like this particular & amazing periode) but I only want to tell that... I don't really care. I mean, it will be the end you'd decided for the great characters you've created so I'd like it anyway, even if it doesn't fit with my expectations. Your end, whatever it could be, always will be the perfect end. So, just continue to dream to your characters & make us dream with you =). Thanks for everything. I wish you infinite adventures in literature. Mara*

Posted by Mara* on February 20, 2009 at 08:37 PM EST #

And I'm glad to tell you, dear Anna, that your english - even if it's an american-english - is really & absolutely easy to read and understand even for a foreigner. And it was a real pleasure to can read your own words & not some arrangement due to the grammatical & syntactic differences. I have no idea of what could be the end of these incredible & amazing stories intertwined with the History (which is one of the reason I've been interested by reading the Luxe, I always like this particular & amazing periode) but I only want to tell that... I don't really care. I mean, it will be the end you'd decided for the great characters you've created so I'd like it anyway, even if it doesn't fit with my expectations. Your end, whatever it could be, always will be the perfect end. So, just continue to dream to your characters & make us dream with you =). Thanks for everything. I wish you infinite adventures in literature. Mara*

Posted by Mara* on February 20, 2009 at 08:38 PM EST #

I was in Borders just a few months ago without a book to read. That was when I stumbled upon The Luxe, so I purchased it and began reading it that very night. I must say, I love your writing style, and I just got so attached to the characters. I'm currently in the middle of Envy, which I'm loving every bit of. Can't wait for Splendor <33 and P.S. The Luxe series totally kicks Twilight right out of the picture. [:

Posted by Kathryn on February 21, 2009 at 09:42 AM EST #

First I would like to say that I love your series. I read the first three books in less than a week, they're amazing. I was just wondering when you think that Splender will be out? Also, i agree with a previous blogger, I wish the series wouldn't have to end so soon. : )

Posted by Em on February 21, 2009 at 12:02 PM EST #

Hi!! I'm Bella Casey and I'm 13 years old and I LOVE your books! I finished Envy quite awhile ago, I just never figured out how to comment! After reading what you just wrote I think I'm gonna try reading " The Age of Innocence". My favourite characters from your books are: Diana Holland Teddy Cutting Henry Schoonmaker and Elizabeth Holland. I was so sad when Teddy went to war and Elizabeth couldn't marry him! But I thought it was so clever of Henry to go to war to get away from Penelope! I liked the reason Teddy went to war though. I love these books SO MUCH and I can NOT wait for Splendor!!

Posted by Bella Casey on February 21, 2009 at 08:57 PM EST #

We just started reading Ethan Frome by Wharton in my junior English class. I didn't think I would like it, but I do! And I want to know why we aren't reading her classic! And I totally agree with the Southern Belles thing that someone else mentioned. The South is so stereotyped. (Forrest Gump, Sweet Home Alabama. Even though I love both those movies.) You should break though the molds. :)

Posted by lindsey sykes on February 21, 2009 at 11:39 PM EST #

wow anna these books were amazing. envy by far has been your best. i cant wait for splendor because im in the weird "between books" phase and its driving me crazy :) when are you publishing it?? i cant wait to dive into it....i want to kno if diana and henry are gonna make up and ever things gonna be a happy ever after tht would be great!!!!

Posted by bryanna <3 on February 22, 2009 at 03:32 PM EST #

I have just discovered this series and have read the first two books in a spand of three days. I am ejoying them so very much. I purchased the first book in about 16 hours and then I immediately went and purchased the last two so that I would not have to wait to finish them. I can't wait for the fourth book to be released and was wondering if there was a time table for that? Anna, you are an amazing writter and look forward to many more works from you!

Posted by Lynn on February 22, 2009 at 04:35 PM EST #

is it possible that splendor will come out b4 october 1st

Posted by yanni poo on February 22, 2009 at 07:10 PM EST #

I can't believe you haven't received any movie deals yet! I love these books! I read them in one day. Needless to say that I am always watching for the next one. Can't wait to read Splendor. I hope Di can find what she is looking for! Poor Elizabeth! And poor Mr. Cutting! As for Penelope I feel bad for the girl...So insecure! But she has asked for what she gets! Many thanks for the wonderful reads! Please keep them coming! ;-)

Posted by emilygrace on February 23, 2009 at 11:52 AM EST #

Hi Anna! I'm doing a piece of writing on your books and you. Because of this I have two questions for you: Do your characters have any ties to people in your life? How did you come up with correct facts for the life of the rich and previliged? Hope you can answer these. Thanks for taking the time to entice our minds. :)

Posted by Lindsay on February 23, 2009 at 02:07 PM EST #

Hi, i am a big fan! My favorite book is Rumors so far i am now on Envy. i love reading your books, i read them in a day! i can't wait till Splender comes out! What is splender about???????

Posted by Maria on February 23, 2009 at 03:11 PM EST #

Hi, I'm absolutly in love with your series, dispite that fact that I'm not exactly Luxe. And I was wondering if you were thinking of turning your series into a set of 4 movies?

Posted by Kyle on February 24, 2009 at 02:36 PM EST #

hi, Anna you are my favorite author!! i've read the whole series and i love them!! i can't wait until splender comes out! Is it possible if you could just tell us a little bit about splender? I really hope you don't stop at splender.

Posted by emma on February 24, 2009 at 05:32 PM EST #

hi i love envy it is sooooooooooo good. cant wait until splender!! u rock

Posted by rebbecca on February 24, 2009 at 05:34 PM EST #

Hello people. I am very new to "The Luxe" series, but I love it! It is my second favourite series in the world. I love the story line of it and cannot wait until I read the whole series, then when in comes out, "Splendor". Anna, you are an amazing author and I love your style of writing. It is very beautiful. Even though I am only on the first book I can tell the series will be excellent! I would also like to say that I think "Twilight" is also an amazing series!!!!! Anna, you are an amazing writer and I can't wait to read on!

Posted by Rachael on February 24, 2009 at 06:13 PM EST #

I am in the middle of reading "The Season" by Sarah MacLean and noticed you have written something on the back. This made me want to read the book even more because your books sparked my intrest and her book is now. I have hooked my friends on your books. We were just wondering when your next book is projected to come out and if it is the final book in the series?

Posted by Jessie A-M on February 24, 2009 at 06:15 PM EST #

Anna whos going to be on the cover?Lina? When is Splendor coming out?? will love prevail? Oh my god i want to see what happens!!!!!! If Luxe becomes a movie i would scream!!!!!:)

Posted by Rosalie on February 24, 2009 at 06:23 PM EST #

I adored "Envy" it was such an amazing book. I loved every single minute of it and have re-read "Rumors" and "The Luxe" so many times I've lost count. Your style of writing is so beautiful, so pure, so wonderful, and just so incredible it is impossible for me to stop reading them. It is your writing that causes me to continue reading and rereading the books. You, I believe, are probably the greatest author of all time. The language you use and the descriptions are so astoudingly clever, I cannot believe it.

Posted by Isabella on February 25, 2009 at 02:28 PM EST #

I just finished "Envy". I took it as slow as I could because I knew I had to wait on "Splendor" to come out. As soon as I read the last line I screamed out loud. I couldn't believe it was done and that the wait had begun. But, more than that I screamed because I wanted to know what happened. Anna you truly have the gift of leaving your readers chompping at the bit for more! Great books!!! Can't wait for the next one! By the way, I hope you give Penelope and Lina a journey through hell itself, they certainly derserve it!

Posted by Lynn on February 25, 2009 at 04:14 PM EST #

Wow!Your books are terrific! I've read all three of them and can't wait till the forth one! My mom read them and passed them on to me and i fell in love. I actually wanted to be there!Hahahaha. Your a fantastic writer! When's the forth one coming do you think? Does Diana Find Henry? Do they live happily ever after? Is Elizabeth happy? What about Penelope? So many questions! Gahhhhh. =]]

Posted by Noel on February 25, 2009 at 08:55 PM EST #

I just finished rumours it was really good! Im upset with your publishers though, Envy might be out in America but it's not out here in the UK until MAY =| i could buy it online, but the postage is extreme =P any chance of an earlier release? Btw...people stop posting spoilers! i now know diana has to look for henry :|

Posted by Freya on February 26, 2009 at 12:46 PM EST #

I absolutely LOVE "The Luxe" series! I'm so excited for "Splendor" to come out! I can't wait. I read the entire first 3 books in less than a week, and now I'm a bit depressed that I have to wait so long for the 4th installment. You are an AMAZING writer and I can't wait to see what book 4 brings!

Posted by Kelsey on February 26, 2009 at 01:49 PM EST #

I know that I am one of your older readers but is so nice to be involved in a GREAT story without pages and pages of sex. I have thouroughly enjoyed the Luxe series and cannot wait for book number 4. Please let us know when we can expect this book and also give us an excerpt on your website. Thanks for many enjoyable hours of reading!!! Penelope

Posted by Penelope (for real) on February 26, 2009 at 05:06 PM EST #

I know that I am one of your older readers but I have so enjoyed the Luxe series with its wealth, glamour, lies and betrayal. It is also very nice to read a GREAT story that is "clean". Please let me know when Splendor will be published and when an excerpt will be available on your website. I am very much looking forward to it. Thanks again for many enjoyable hours of reading. Penelope

Posted by Penelope (for real) on February 26, 2009 at 05:10 PM EST #

Anna I love Rumors I haven't read Envy yet but I know I will love it. I just can't believe that Will DIED!!!!!! That is a nice ending to the book. I hope all the rest of your books are as good as the ones I have read! Please write more books! I love them and hope that you keep writing. Can't wait to read Envy and Slendor! Love you Anna!!!!

Posted by Rach on February 26, 2009 at 07:12 PM EST #

Anna- You can not imagine what i did when i saw this post. I made a comment a while ago when I was reading my Edith Wharton books about the deep connection I saw between the series, especially with House of Mirth, Lina most reminding me of Lily (except Lina DID get the inheritance money, while Lily got the boot.) I logged back in and was reading old posts and saw this and freaked out. Most authors don't read their fan's comments. They appreciate them, but don't take the time to read them. And you did, which amazed me. I seriously enjoyed reading this post. >>

Posted by Diana Elizabeth on July 11, 2009 at 12:00 AM EDT #

I was introduced to wharton's novels through my amazing junior english teacher, starting with Ethan Frome. She told us we could ask her for books any time, and I requested more Wharton books, like Summer, House of Mirth, and Age of Innocence. While there are sections in each that were harder to read, the ideals and meanings were wonderful. And i feel the same love, if not more so, for your series. I know this is late, and you may not see this comment (I'm not sure if you get notified every time someone makes a comment or not) >>

Posted by Diana Elizabeth on July 11, 2009 at 12:01 AM EDT #

but I'm curious if you would go to a Barnes and Nobles for Splendor's premier, or if you would consider meeting a few fans to talk about the series and the English world in general. As I approach college with a focus on Acting and English being my second choice, these books are some of the huge library I have in my room that I'll be bring to my dorm, where ever I end up enrolling. Thanks for the post and for your beautiful writing. (email: dianabeth713@att.net)

Posted by Diana Elizabeth on July 11, 2009 at 12:01 AM EDT #

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