I put all my books on the side when this one came in from the library. I love experiencing the world of privilege that belonged to the NY elite in the early 20th century. While this takes place the year after Edith Wharton's death, it is the same society, which has become more elite with the onslaught of the Great Depression.
One of the main themes that the book explored was the loss of some dreams as we fulfill other aspirations. In the end, the protagonist writes, "I love Val. I love my job and my New York. I have no doubt they were the right choices for me. And at the same time, I know that right choices by definition are the means by which life crystalizes loss."
The title comes from the book of rules that George Washington fashioned as a way to lead a respectful respectable life in a society that he reached up a little in order to attain. Perhaps he felt if he met the societal expectations, which he whittled down to 110 rules, he would fit in with those to whom he not naturally be born.
I enjoyed the references to the time period, the art, music, cultural climates, etc. It was a different world from anything I can really imagine, and I thoroughly enjoy reading about that world.