Reviews with content warning for Antisemitism - The House of Mirth

Reviews tagging 'Antisemitism'

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

8 reviews

erboe501's review

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Although I know Wharton was satirizing her social milieu in this book, I found Lily Bart's trajectory more affecting than I thought I would. She is a fascinating blend of morality, vapidity, pride, and, above all, indecision. She wants to do the right thing, but doesn't give it or anything else 100%. For those familiar with erring heroines in early novels, you won't be surprised by Lily's fate.

What I found hard to stomach was the antisemitism embodied in Lily's repulsion of the Jewish Rosedale. While the overt antisemitism at the beginning of the novel becomes more nuanced than I'd initially expected, the descriptors Wharton relies on were uncomfortable to read.

Overall this was an entertaining story that I couldn't put down, so I'd like to read more of Wharton in the future.

Content Warnings

musebeliever's review

Go to review page

4.0

Content Warnings

allym's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

readingwithgoose's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced

2.5

So, so torn on how to rate this one. It was slow at first, then I was really into the drama and rooting for Lily, and then the ending ruined everything for me.

Content Warnings