Scan barcode
A review by erboe501
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
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.
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
Graphic: Antisemitism