A review by 5aru
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

challenging dark emotional funny reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

While an insightful examination of the society of her time, Wharton's House of Mirth really excels as a character study. Lily is at once intriguing and frustrating, exasperating and sympathetic, as much a victim of circumstance as an active, remorseless part of the system which does not hesitate to discard her. She is a complex and multifaceted spectacle of a tragic heroine, and I loved her throughout.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings