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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
challenging
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Beautifully written, very insightful and sociologically interesting. Much darker than I'd anticipated, as well as much more honest and a deep look at the plight of women at this time in history. Definitely recommend and I myself now want to read her other books (this was my first introduction to Edith Wharton). The novel leaves you with so much to think about and consider in terms of the many layers of symbolism, etc.
Oh Lily Bart, you broke my heart.
The deeply moving story of a woman trapped in circumstance, in the cage of society, going through the motions expected of her. I can certainly see why Lily does not appeal to some readers, but oh, I feel for her so strongly and relate to her so deeply. All of her misfortune is of her own making, and she knows it, but is unable to alter or escape, and therein lies the true tragedy. The only reason this book does not warrant the full five-star is because Lawrence is entirely useless and unworthy of Lily, and I really hated his redemption and repentance at the eleventh-hour.
The deeply moving story of a woman trapped in circumstance, in the cage of society, going through the motions expected of her. I can certainly see why Lily does not appeal to some readers, but oh, I feel for her so strongly and relate to her so deeply. All of her misfortune is of her own making, and she knows it, but is unable to alter or escape, and therein lies the true tragedy. The only reason this book does not warrant the full five-star is because Lawrence is entirely useless and unworthy of Lily, and I really hated his redemption and repentance at the eleventh-hour.
3.5 * I found this one to be vastly more interesting than The Age of Innocence, though Wharton seems to love frustrating all of her characters. It's a warning against both literal and figurative gambling and an interesting social critique of New York at the turn of the century. It took me a while to get into this, but I'm glad that I carried on, even though I usually dislike stories that rely heavily on misunderstandings and bad decisions to shape the narrative. And I'm going to rewrite the ending, as I always do when it doesn't go as it should.
This book did not mess around. It was branded as a tragedy and damnit if it wasn't one! Edith, girl, who hurt you??
Wharton knew old and new money of New York society like the back of her hand and most if not all her characters are fully fleshed out beings, neither good nor bad but almost all products of their environments. Through Lily we understand the greed, the shallowness and the constant fear of failed ambition that cloaks the luxurious parties and swarees, the near complete lack of empathy that flourishes in such conditions.
Truly excellent writing and style - nothing is left to chance and few subject matters are undisturbed. Forget Gatsby, THIS is the novel of the failed American dream. this one, though, was written by a woman and while not overt has more feminist sensibilities.
tldr This book is heartbreaking but just so well wrapped up.
*I take it back Fitzgerald, I still love you*
Wharton knew old and new money of New York society like the back of her hand and most if not all her characters are fully fleshed out beings, neither good nor bad but almost all products of their environments. Through Lily we understand the greed, the shallowness and the constant fear of failed ambition that cloaks the luxurious parties and swarees, the near complete lack of empathy that flourishes in such conditions.
Truly excellent writing and style - nothing is left to chance and few subject matters are undisturbed. Forget Gatsby, THIS is the novel of the failed American dream. this one, though, was written by a woman and while not overt has more feminist sensibilities.
tldr This book is heartbreaking but just so well wrapped up.
*I take it back Fitzgerald, I still love you*
Comments in <20 words: Surprisingly enthralled by novel of manners with romantic subplot(!) when everyone's favourite Gatsby failed. Melodrama only made it better.
I had an extremely hard time getting through this book and the ending was pretty annoying. I didn't really like any of the characters and I couldn't wait to finish this so I could move onto something else.
Wow. This book is a lot. This novel comments on the precarious nature of social standing, the lack of independence for women, and personal integrity. Lily Bart is complicated and flawed - she spends the novel telling her friends and herself that she isn’t meant to be good, yet she will not succumb to social manipulations she doesn’t agree with. I love Edith Wharton, her sass, and her incredible female characters.
This accomplishes the Arithmancy prompt for the OWLs readathon, a book outside your favorite genre, and the challenge of a book with a house on the cover for the stay home readathon!
This accomplishes the Arithmancy prompt for the OWLs readathon, a book outside your favorite genre, and the challenge of a book with a house on the cover for the stay home readathon!
It's so sad that people can become so obsessed with money, whether they have enough to fit in and buy fancy things, or have too little and work for low wages. It is especially sad when a rich person and a poor person are in love, and just because of the difference of their wealth they are unable to be together.