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A review by toffishay
The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
funny
medium-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
4.25
Undine is a terrible person...and I just kept turning the page to see what nonsense she'd get into and out of next! As always with Edith Wharton the writing is great. Some of Undine's motivations are stated explicitly when they could have been left at subtext. But I don't see that as a weakness and, if anything, it mirrors Undine's loud character. She's unabashed in what she wants and will stop at nothing to get it. It was a really funny book too and the satire is spot on. There were a few occasions where I chuckled out loud!
What makes this so good is that Undine is simple in her desires, but not made totally one-dimensional. You understand what lies beneath and we see the motivation of her actions even when Undine doesn't let herself feel them. And there are some very sad moments that I won't spoil here, but that add weight to Undine's decisions. This is her life that she's treating like a game and other people are left holding the cards.
What makes this so good is that Undine is simple in her desires, but not made totally one-dimensional. You understand what lies beneath and we see the motivation of her actions even when Undine doesn't let herself feel them. And there are some very sad moments that I won't spoil here, but that add weight to Undine's decisions. This is her life that she's treating like a game and other people are left holding the cards.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Xenophobia
Minor: Suicide and Death of parent