70 pages 2 hours read

Edith Wharton

The House of Mirth

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1905

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Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth is praised for its elegant prose and sharp social critique. Critics laud its portrayal of Lily Bart's struggles within high society but note that some characters can seem stereotypical. The novel's tragic arc is compelling, though some find it overly melancholic. Its relevance to class and gender issues remains influential.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The House of Mirth?

The ideal reader of Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth appreciates intricate social commentary and character-driven narratives. Similar to fans of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Henry James’s The Portrait of a Lady, they enjoy exploring the complexities of upper-class society and the constraints faced by women seeking independence in a rigid social hierarchy.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre
Classic Fiction
Historical Fiction
Satire
Topics
Class
History: World
Period
Gilded Age
Naturalism
Themes
Society: Class
Society: Community
Relationships: Friendship