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A review by lizziestudieshistory
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, Hermione Lee
3.0
3.5 stars
Overall, I liked this book - there were moments of sheer heartbreaking brilliance, usually around Lily and Selden. Yet, these beautiful moments were trapped by a lot of fluff that meant it never quite got off the ground for me. Partly I think this was deliberate to reflect the nature of turn-of-the-century New York society, but it also meant I couldn't connect with the novel in the way I was expecting. I was left feeling empty, wanting more of the powerful connection I felt with the last two chapters.
There is something about these tragic tales of fallen women I can't quite get on with. Perhaps it's the pragmatist in me but most of these tragedies could be averted... Much like Madame Bovary didn't need to have an affair and commit suicide, Lily Bart could have rescued herself from her self-inflicted doom (well Bertha Dorset helped too.) I NEED one of these women to have some common sense, particularly as Lily regularly had Gerty and Selden advising her what to do! I just find these narratives slightly stressful because they could be easily resolved, but I guess that is the point.
I just have to say - what is it about American classics and money? There is something about American 20th century novels that always deals with money. It brought out the British snob in me because it felt so distinctly American. However, the discussion of money was a vital part of this novel, the plot couldn't move without it driving Lily's descent into social isolation and poverty.
Overall, I liked this book - there were moments of sheer heartbreaking brilliance, usually around Lily and Selden. Yet, these beautiful moments were trapped by a lot of fluff that meant it never quite got off the ground for me. Partly I think this was deliberate to reflect the nature of turn-of-the-century New York society, but it also meant I couldn't connect with the novel in the way I was expecting. I was left feeling empty, wanting more of the powerful connection I felt with the last two chapters.
There is something about these tragic tales of fallen women I can't quite get on with. Perhaps it's the pragmatist in me but most of these tragedies could be averted... Much like Madame Bovary didn't need to have an affair and commit suicide, Lily Bart could have rescued herself from her self-inflicted doom (well Bertha Dorset helped too.) I NEED one of these women to have some common sense, particularly as Lily regularly had Gerty and Selden advising her what to do! I just find these narratives slightly stressful because they could be easily resolved, but I guess that is the point.
I just have to say - what is it about American classics and money? There is something about American 20th century novels that always deals with money. It brought out the British snob in me because it felt so distinctly American. However, the discussion of money was a vital part of this novel, the plot couldn't move without it driving Lily's descent into social isolation and poverty.