The House of Mirth

by Edith Wharton
The House of Mirth cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 8292
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780191605642
  • Publisher: OUP Oxford
  • Published: 1999-07-15
  • Formats: 9
  • Reviews: 3

The House of Mirth, published in 1905, is renowned for Edith Wharton's incisive observations and powerful prose. The novel's protagonist, Lily Bart, is a beautiful, impoverished woman on the cusp of spinsterhood in a society that values wealth and status above all else. As she maneuvers through the elite circles of New York, Lily's quest for a wealthy husband leads her to betray her own heart, setting the stage for her ultimate downfall. Wharton, an insider of Old New York Society, uses Lily's story to critique the stifling constraints placed upon women of her era. The novel transforms traditional themes of family, marriage, and money into a modern anthropological study, reflecting the shifting social dynamics of the time. Part of the Oxford World's Classics series, this edition includes expert introductions and helpful notes to enhance the reading experience.

Reviews
Warm Days Will Never Cease · 2020-03-27
clever 4.25

The novel is a clever social satire that also serves as a tragic romance. It is a compelling read that offers a deep exploration of societal norms and personal struggles.

The reviewer from Warm Days Will Never Cease highlights the clever social satire and tragic romance elements in 'The House of Mirth'. They appreciate how the novel offers a deep exploration of societal norms and personal struggles. The reviewer finds the novel to be a compelling read that captivates readers with its vivid and poetic language. They also note the timeless themes that continue to be relevant today, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Quick quotes

    I would definitely recommend this novel if you're thinking about reading it.

    It's a clever social satire but it's also a tragic romance.

    The novel offers a deep exploration of societal norms and personal struggles.

The Guardian · Jennifer Egan · 2020-01-11
masterpiece 4.75

The House of Mirth is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of societal expectations and personal desires. The novel's themes of love, ambition, and social critique are timeless and deeply resonant.

Jennifer Egan's review in The Guardian highlights the timeless themes of love, ambition, and social critique in 'The House of Mirth'. They appreciate how the novel explores the complexities of societal expectations and personal desires. Egan notes that the novel's themes are deeply resonant and continue to be relevant today. They also praise Wharton's ability to create a vivid and engaging narrative that captivates readers from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    The House of Mirth was the first literary classic that I picked up entirely on my own, without prodding from a teacher or a parent, and adored.

    The novel's themes of love, ambition, and social critique are timeless and deeply resonant.

    Wharton's ability to create a vivid and engaging narrative is truly captivating.

JacquiWine's Blog · Jacqui · 2014-10-20
brilliant 4.50

The novel is a brilliant classic that offers a poignant critique of societal expectations and the constraints placed on women. The protagonist's journey is both tragic and compelling, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Jacqui's review highlights the brilliance of Edith Wharton's writing in 'The House of Mirth'. They appreciate how the novel critiques the societal expectations and constraints placed on women during the Gilded Age. The protagonist's journey is both tragic and compelling, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction. Jacqui also notes the vivid and poetic language that Wharton employs, which adds depth to the story. They find the novel to be a timeless exploration of themes that remain relevant today.

Quick quotes

    Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth is such a brilliant classic, I wasn't sure if I would have anything to add to the multitude of reviews.

    The protagonist's journey is both tragic and compelling, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

    Wharton's vivid and poetic language adds depth to the story.

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