The House of Mirth
by Edith Wharton
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Book Summary Information
Author: Edith WhartonEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-01-01
ISBN: 1844082938
Number of pages: 352
Publisher: Virago UK
Book Reviews of The House of Mirth
Book Review: A Difficult Read For Me, A Bit Like Deciphering Shakespeare's English
Summary: 3 Stars
I have to say this was no easy read for me. I had a bit of a difficult time with the English. Edith Wharton writes in a way that makes things sound beautiful yes, but I wasn't always confident that I was comprehending the exact meaning she intended. The English is far from plain or direct, much like the communication between the characters she created.
I found our protagonist Lily Bart to be shallow and vain and I had no sympathy for her and her situation in the beginning of the story. But as the story progressed I felt more and more for her plight and by the end I was saddened by the tragic course of Miss Bart's life.
Edith Wharton has created quite the commentary on the life of rich socialites during the mid 1800s in New York City. I thought it was all very interesting: the egocentrism, the nasty back-stabbing, the rumor mills, how people were judged, the duties of the hangers on etc...
And at times the attention to detail was a little too much for me. I thought the story was good but the emotions were muted by the language. I so appreciated Simon Rosedale who said what he meant as simply and directly as possible. It made for much less confusion about his intentions.
There was a note in the back of the book about the movie The House of Mirth made in 2000. It wasn't until I had finished the book that I realized I had seen the movie.
This was a book club choice and I think it will generate some very good discussions but I can't say I loved this book or would recommend it. I would tell you to watch the movie, I remember that was very moving.
The book was moving too it just wasn't the most enjoyable book I've ever read.
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