The Buccaneers

by Edith Wharton
The Buccaneers cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 8296
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-21
  • Publisher: New York : D. Appleton-Century
  • Published: 1938-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Set against the backdrop of Saratoga and New York City society in the 1870s and 1880s, 'The Buccaneers' follows five ambitious American girls and their families as they seek European titles and social status. The novel delves into the dynamics of wealth, power, and love as these young women navigate their new lives in England, often facing unhappy marriages and societal expectations. The story centers around Nan and her journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of her marriage to the Duke of Trevenick, and her eventual love for Guy Thwait. /n/n The novel explores themes of class, ambition, and the search for happiness within the constraints of societal norms. It offers a vivid portrayal of the era's high society, with a focus on the cultural differences and the impact of wealth and status on personal relationships. The characters' struggles and triumphs provide a compelling narrative that blends historical context with timeless themes of love and self-discovery.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-12-21
disappointing 2.00

The book felt scattered and the main character seemed underdeveloped, which was disappointing given the reviewer's positive experience with 'The House of Mirth'.

The reviewer felt that 'The Buccaneers' was scattered and the main character was underdeveloped, which made it difficult to connect with the story. They were particularly disappointed because they had enjoyed 'The House of Mirth' so much. The reviewer found the lack of depth in the main character to be a significant drawback, making the overall reading experience less satisfying. Despite this, they acknowledged that the novel had its moments, but it didn't live up to their expectations.

Quick quotes

    This book felt scattered and the main character seemed underdeveloped.

    I didn't like her at all.

    Its disappointing because I liked The House of Mirth so much.

Cannonball Read · ElCicco · 2025-08-13
pleasant 4.00

The ending was surprisingly happy for a Wharton novel, which was a pleasant surprise. The novel's portrayal of societal changes is both delicate and perceptive.

The reviewer found the ending of 'The Buccaneers' to be surprisingly happy, which was a refreshing change from typical Wharton novels. They appreciated the delicate and perceptive portrayal of societal changes, particularly the dynamics between old and new money. The reviewer enjoyed how the novel captured the nuances of this transition, making it a compelling read. Overall, they found the book to be a delightful exploration of love and marriage within these changing social landscapes.

Quick quotes

    The end of the novel surprised me a little, not because it was shocking or jarring but because for a Wharton novel, it was relatively happy.

    The Buccaneers is a delicately perceptive portrayal of a world on the brink of change.

    It's a fun read with glimmers of Wharton's wit and societal observation.

The New York Times · 1993-10-17
engaging 4.00

The novel is lively and engaging, though it may not be the version Wharton herself would have written. It offers a fairy-tale-like quality that is miraculously brought to life.

The reviewer found 'The Buccaneers' to be a lively and engaging piece of fiction, even if it might not be the exact novel Wharton would have written. They appreciated the fairy-tale-like quality of the story, which was miraculously brought to life. The reviewer enjoyed the spirited and untroubled nature of the main character, Nan, who is brave and lively. Overall, they found the novel to be a delightful and engaging read, despite its shortcomings.

Quick quotes

    This new 'Buccaneers' may not be the novel Wharton herself would have written, but it is certainly a lively, engaging piece of fiction.

    Brave, lively, engaging...a fairy-tale novel, miraculously returned to life.

    Annabel—or Nan, as she's introduced—is spirited, strange, and untroubled by what people think of her.

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