The House of Mirth [with Biographical Introduction]
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Gore Vidal There are only three or four American novelists who can be thought of as "major," and Edith Wharton is one.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
NINA BAWDEN
'To my mind, her greatest novel ... beautifully written ... never jaded or perfunctory. The humour sedately delirious.'
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In 'House of Mirth', Wharton's prose, timing and deft touch are all much in evidence. What makes this an especially enjoyable work is its unpredictibility. Whilst 'The Age of Innocence' is perhaps Wharton's most famous novel, 'House of Mirth' is more complex (and less cliched, I feel) - and ultimately more satisfying in terms of plot and characterisation.
The novel follows the events surrounding Lily Bart, a society beauty in 19th century New York, who must marry money in order to secure a life of luxury. Lily's flawed character is marvellously fleshed-out - making her a very real heroine. A number of suitors present themselves, but Lily's inability to marry solely for money, the prejudices of New York Society and ultimately - Lily's tendency to play her cards badly - produces a thoroughly absorbing ending.
The film, by the way, does not do the novel justice.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Set in 1890's New York, we follow the life of Miss Lily Bart, a dazzling socialite, sharp-witted and beautiful as she whirls amongst the parties and events in the endless social calendar of the fashionable hierarchy. But fortune does not favour Lily; despite her much-admired beauty, she is an impoverished spinster who struggles to keep up with the tremendous expense of living the lifestyle of the exclusive rich set.
Lily's descent into poverty is terribly compelling to witness; scandal follows scandal, as Lily's circle of former acquaintance turns it back on her and leaves only a few caring true friends. Your heart sinks with every step down the social ladder for Lily, and the close of the novel is tragic and moving. Despite her flaws, you are still rooting for Lily to regain her rightful status in genteel society, and this is evidence enough that Edith Wharton was a masterful storyteller. I have yet to see the film of the novel, starring Gillian Anderson as Lily, but if it remains true to the novel, then it must be worth seeing.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
"The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth" Ecclesiastes 7:4 KJV. Hence begins the story of Lily Bart, raised from birth with no other purpose in life than to be a beautiful ornament to society. Lily is left with little money of her own and must rely on family and friends until she can make an advantageous marriage. Unfortunately, she makes some poor choices in life which diminish her social status, which eventually leads her to attempts to eke out a living among the working class.
Wharton, who grew up in this same environment, pulls no punches. We see both the glamour and richness of late 19th century New York society, along with it's evil underside. Wharton's prose is glorious, but you have to pay attention and not wander or you'll end up back tracking and reading that paragraph again so as not to miss the story, you want to slow down and enjoy it like a fine red wine or a box of chocolate (or both). If you enjoy classic literature with a soap opera melodramatic tone to it (like Hardy's Tess), this should be right up your alley. So many times Lily and Seldon missed their opportunity for happiness! Have the hanky ready for the last chapters, you'll need it.
Wharton, who grew up in this same environment, pulls no punches. We see both the glamour and richness of late 19th century New York society, along with it's evil underside. Wharton's prose is glorious, but you have to pay attention and not wander or you'll end up back tracking and reading that paragraph again so as not to miss the story, you want to slow down and enjoy it like a fine red wine or a box of chocolate (or both). If you enjoy classic literature with a soap opera melodramatic tone to it (like Hardy's Tess), this should be right up your alley. So many times Lily and Seldon missed their opportunity for happiness! Have the hanky ready for the last chapters, you'll need it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Soft, Sad, Downward Spiral
Having been hooked on Victorian classics it was inevitable that I would eventually arrive at Edith Wharton's doorstep after nimbly leapfrogging over Henry James' bog of wordy... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Keizu
Excellent volume
The transaction was speedily ordered and arrived quickly as well. Having see the film, I wanted to read the book (and I will!!!)
Published 4 months ago by J. Webb
Very tough read, hated the characters
The House Of Mirth published in 1905 tells the story of Lily Bart a young woman in society. Though young, Lily is not getting younger and must make a good match soon. Read more
Published 4 months ago by R. A. Davison
Exquisitly written: pure genius
When this book appeared in 1905 it was received with high acclaim from both critics and public alike. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Molly Marsden
From Timely to Timeless
Reading The House of Mirth today, it's easy to overlook the obvious: that it was not written as a "period piece," but as a modern novel. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Stephen John Vogel
Nineteenth century modernist
This is the first Wharton I have read and I thought I would strongly dislike it. But it turns out that Wharton's greatness -- like many of the nineteenth century masters (Henry... Read more
Published 9 months ago by A. Severn
Lily Bart never stales
This is my third reading of The House of Mirth and it's as fresh and fascinating as when I first encountered it many years ago. Read more
Published 9 months ago by booksetc
Blows Nancy Mitford clean out of the water.
An enormous best seller when first published, this book made Edith Wharton's name although it is by far not her finest work. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Brownbear101
A highwayscribery Book Report
It's not that consecrated writers of classic, canonical literature need highwayscribery's imprimatur, but this tale of a pretty girl's perils gets an A-plus. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Stephen Siciliano
There is life after Jane Austen
I am someone who read all of Austen and was left at a loss when I finished all her novels. I wish someone had told me about the genius of Edith Wharton earlier. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Stubs
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