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The House of Mirth
The House of Mirth
Author: Edith Wharton
First published in 1905, The House of Mirth shocked the New York society it so deftly chronicles, portraying the moral, social, and economic restraints on a woman who dared to claim the privileges of marriage without assuming the responsibilities. Lily Bart, beautiful, witty, and sophisticated, is accepted by "old money" and courted by the growi...  more »
ISBN: 255808
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 377
Rating:
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Publisher: Reader's Digest
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
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reviewed The House of Mirth on + 60 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
What a depressing, but beautifully written book! The writing style is sophisticated and pure. You'll get the impression that the main character, Lily, is destined for a fatal crash, but you'll find yourself screaming at her to make the "right" choices and to defend herself when wrongly accused. Lily is so conflicted in what she thinks she wants and who she really is that you never know whether or not she finally resolves these issues within herself in the end. If you're a woman, you'll be thankful that you don't have the same limitations and ridiculous moral standards that were the societal norm in the early 1900's. Feel free to email with any questions. ~LeAnn
reviewed The House of Mirth on
Helpful Score: 2
In spite of the title, this is a sort of tragedy, and it makes you realize (if you are a woman) how glad you are to be living now, and not in the days when a woman practically had to marry to have a life, and had to marry well--never mind love or compatibility--to continue the life to which she was accustomed, unless she was already rich.

This book served to while away some hours waiting in a tax-preparer's office, which were thus saved from their tedium, and I really enjoyed it. I have to warn other readers, though: You will find yourself wanting to scream at the heroine, "No, you goose! Can't you see that if you do that, you'll ruin all your chances?" Lily Bart is both too conscientious for her own good, and too careless. You find yourself beginning to like her.

If you don't want to know the end from the beginning, leave the introduction until afterwards.
nyteacher avatar reviewed The House of Mirth on + 152 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wharton's classic novel is a study of New York's high society in the late nineteenth century. The heroine, Lily Bart, finds herself victim of a society where appearances are far more important than reality. The constant search for the perfct husband reminds me a little of a Jane Austen novel without the happy ending.
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reviewed The House of Mirth on + 31 more book reviews
Quality Paperback Book Club - 1 of 4 books by Edith Wharton writer of the rich upperclass Gilded Age.
boomerbooklover avatar reviewed The House of Mirth on + 430 more book reviews
Novel about a young American Society woman raised in NY with high standards whose life changes with the death of her parents. She lives for a time with her Aunt,and spends most of her time visiting the houses of the elite, going to parties, and looking for a husband who can afford her the life she wants to live. Reminded me somewhat of Georgette Heyer's novels, but a bit darker.
reviewed The House of Mirth on + 7 more book reviews
Very good classic book. Required reading during college, but I read it many times.
reviewed The House of Mirth on + 6 more book reviews
It's a classic and was made into a film with Gillian Anderson.

Book Wiki

Common Title
Original Publication Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
People/Characters
Lily Bart (Primary Character)
Lawrence Selden (Major Character)
Gerty Farish (Major Character)
Gus Trenor (Major Character)
Real Places

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