helenehannailona's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The story of a woman who has never learned to be content, maybe even the portrait of an entire civilization..
zoexash_'s review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
maelirose's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Undine is cray cray. She got everything she wanted and she still isn't happy.
Edith Wharton is brilliant and exposes the follies and ironies of upper society.
I'm honestly glad her and Moffat got together at the end. I ship them. BUT I FEEL SO BAD FOR RALPH. I LOVED HIM. AND POOR PAUL. Miss girl over here dragged everyone into her mess and made everyone's lives harder. Gurl had three (technically four and one broken engagement) marriages and is still doing good for herself. Honestly, good for her. But I still hate her.
Edith Wharton is brilliant and exposes the follies and ironies of upper society.
I'm honestly glad her and Moffat got together at the end. I ship them. BUT I FEEL SO BAD FOR RALPH. I LOVED HIM. AND POOR PAUL. Miss girl over here dragged everyone into her mess and made everyone's lives harder. Gurl had three (technically four and one broken engagement) marriages and is still doing good for herself. Honestly, good for her. But I still hate her.
blakehalsey's review against another edition
5.0
Another great Wharton novel. It is an interesting read because the heroine is completely unlikeable. She's selfish, insatiable, and oblivious to the needs and cares of others, even her own son. Still, Wharton portrays an amazing society full of money, status and fashion. Nothing else matters.
bibliotequeish's review against another edition
5.0
What can you say about Undine Spragg.
Most books have an "Undine Spragg" selfish, materialistic, manipulative, takes advantage of people heedlessly ... but they are seldom the protagonist.
This character is usually a childhood friend, a socialite, or a rival, taught a lesson by, or shown kindness by the main character; the sweet, perhaps bookish, and moral main character...
In Whartons the Custom of the Country, Undine Spragg is it. And you follow her life while she tramples on people to get to the top.
Written in classic Wharton style she perfectly paints the picture of the Upper Crust of New York society.
Most books have an "Undine Spragg" selfish, materialistic, manipulative, takes advantage of people heedlessly ... but they are seldom the protagonist.
This character is usually a childhood friend, a socialite, or a rival, taught a lesson by, or shown kindness by the main character; the sweet, perhaps bookish, and moral main character...
In Whartons the Custom of the Country, Undine Spragg is it. And you follow her life while she tramples on people to get to the top.
Written in classic Wharton style she perfectly paints the picture of the Upper Crust of New York society.
kpezza's review
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
camix_2000's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
buggyk's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0