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mfkelly323's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bookgirl2013's review
challenging
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
Sad, but extremele inspirational.
superb_piano9536's review
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
katiegilley's review
4.0
“She was so evidently the victim of the civilization which had produced her, that the links of her bracelet seemed like manacles chaining her to her fate.”
This is my first ever Edith Wharton novel! I picked it up because this is the book that the Novel Pairings podcast is discussing this week. I was nervous - classics always make me nervous - and had no reason to be. I listened on audio and was able to sit back and sink into the glamorous world of New York high society in the late 1800s. It almost felt like watching Gossip Girl - it was so full of petty plots and society climbers who were willing to hurt anyone if it helped their standing.
But Lily Bart, our protagonist, is in a precarious position. While still accepted by those in high society, her family lost their wealth and she is in tremendous debt and marriage is her only way out. The rumors about her morality are fierce but she still has several suitors, yet she can't bring herself to marry unless he is The One. Oh, Lily. She tries so hard to live a glamorous life, but with integrity. This book shows us just how impossible that is.
This is my first ever Edith Wharton novel! I picked it up because this is the book that the Novel Pairings podcast is discussing this week. I was nervous - classics always make me nervous - and had no reason to be. I listened on audio and was able to sit back and sink into the glamorous world of New York high society in the late 1800s. It almost felt like watching Gossip Girl - it was so full of petty plots and society climbers who were willing to hurt anyone if it helped their standing.
But Lily Bart, our protagonist, is in a precarious position. While still accepted by those in high society, her family lost their wealth and she is in tremendous debt and marriage is her only way out. The rumors about her morality are fierce but she still has several suitors, yet she can't bring herself to marry unless he is The One. Oh, Lily. She tries so hard to live a glamorous life, but with integrity. This book shows us just how impossible that is.
loves_nurse's review against another edition
reflective
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
4.0
While the subject matter is a bit antiquated and the characters are old fashioned, the author writes them so beautifully. The writin wraps around me and brings me into the story.
Some parts of the story are so exactly reflective of the human condition while also being communicated with luxurious slow pertinent prose. I enjoyed the writing much more than the tale itself.
Some parts of the story are so exactly reflective of the human condition while also being communicated with luxurious slow pertinent prose. I enjoyed the writing much more than the tale itself.
bfmitchell's review against another edition
challenging
dark
lighthearted
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
3.0
cryingalot49's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
darlingfleur's review against another edition
3.0
[Read for IB English] This book was so painful to read and Lily’s actions frustrated me. I get the message of the book but since I’m more of a person that reads for escapism, this was definitely not my favorite since I was just super annoyed with her most of the time - 3/5 stars
hswhite's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0