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The House of Mirth

By Edith Wharton
Penguin Classics
Series: The Penguin English Library
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton explores the life of Lily Bart, a beautiful but impoverished woman navigating the upper echelons of New York society in the early 20th century. Facing societal pressures and the need to marry for financial security, Lily struggles with her desire for independence and true love against the conflicting demands of her social world. The novel delves into themes of status, morality, and the sacrifices required to maintain one's place in a superficial and unforgiving society.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are intrigued by stories set in the opulent yet superficial world of New York's upper class at the turn of the 20th century. It delves into the life of a charming but conflicted woman who navigates the social intricacies and expectations of her time, offering sharp insights into societal norms and personal ambition. The storytelling combines wit and a keen observation of human nature, appealing to readers interested in themes of wealth, identity, and the pursuit of happiness.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Lily Bart, beautiful and charming, living among the wealthy families of New York but reluctant to finally commit herself to a husband. In her search for freedom and the happiness she feels she deserves, Lily is ultimately ruined by scandal.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Launching a major new paperback series - Penguin English Library

The Penguin English Library Edition of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

“It was characteristic of her that she always roused speculation, that her simplest acts seemed the result of far-reaching intentions”

A searing, shocking tale of women as consumer items in a man's world, The House of Mirth sees Lily Bart, beautiful and charming, living among the wealthy families of New York but reluctant to finally commit herself to a husband. In her search for freedom and the happiness she feels she deserves, Lily is ultimately ruined by scandal. Edith Wharton's shattering novel created controversy on its publication in 1905 with its scathing portrayal of the world's wealthy and the prison that marriage can become.

The Penguin English Library - 100 editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century and the very first novels to the beginning of the First World War.

Series: The Penguin English Library

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141199023

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 April 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 290g

Pages: 416

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Edith Wharton Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction Series: The Penguin English Library

About the Author

Edith Newbold Jones (Edith Wharton) (1862-1937) was born in New York City during the American Civil War. She enjoyed a diverse and very successful career as interior and garden designer, short story writer and award-winning novelist. It was The House of Mirth, published in 1905, that made Wharton famous, and in 1921 she became the first woman to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Her great novella Ethan Frome is also published in the Penguin English Library.

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