This was the first book I decided to read from the book bucket list I created a few weeks ago and, I was very glad I tried it.
This is a story about Undine Spragg, a beautiful midwestern girl who has dreams of climbing the social ladder. The thing is, Undine isn't all that high on the ladder to begin with. She knows how to attract the men that she thinks will help her but, once she gets the man she "thinks" she wants, she is already wondering if there is someone or something better that she can set her sights on. She takes advantage of everyone she meets. From New York to Paris when she meets a millionaire that seems worthy of her, she stops at nothing to make him hers. She doesn't realize when she tires of him, divorce will be considered a black mark on her going forward.
A classic satire, the ending shows the reader that even in the end, not much has changed for Undine. She is still every bit a user. She's vain, obsessed with clothes, jewels and social status. Although this book is funny and entertaining at times, Although I enjoyed this classic, I found it impossible to root for Undine.
RATING - 4.5/5 stars
Yeah, Undine isn't a character I wanted to root for either; she reminded me a little of Thackeray's Becky Sharp. But I liked this book just because I really like the way Edith Wharton writes. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved the writing as well; really good depth in her characters.
DeleteYou definitely can't root for Undine but, at the same time, she is an unforgettable character! This is my favorite Wharton novel... glad you enjoyed it, too.
ReplyDeleteUnforgettable is a good way to describe her character; thanks for recommending this one JoAnn.
DeleteHappy to hear you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI've only read a few Edith Wharton novels but this was a very good one.
ReplyDeleteIt was a well written and memorable classic for sure.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered whether this Edith Wharton is a good book. I've read several by her which I've really enjoyed and by the sounds of it this one is well worth a try too.
ReplyDeleteUndine was a charater that would be hard to forget.
DeleteI have not read this one but reading your review makes me want to.
ReplyDeleteOf course, Undine made this book but, I forgot how enjoyable Wharton's writing is - I nice change for my reading.
DeleteI really like the sound of this one! I've only read one Edith Wharton book and really should read more by her.
ReplyDeleteThis one is worth trying for sure, the characterization was excellent.
DeleteI'm pretty sure that I've read this (years ago!), but don't remember much about it. I went through a lot of EW's novels back in the 90s.
ReplyDeleteI do like the way she writes, she can create a memorable character like no other IMO.
DeleteI am so not a classics reader, but I am glad you liked this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised classics are not your thing. I haven't read as many as I hoped I would have over the years but some of my favorites are ones like Silas Marner, Les Miserable, A Separate Peace, Ethan Frome and anything by Steinbeck. I want to read The Hunchback of Notre Dame soon as well.
DeleteI have never read anything by Edith Wharton but I've always wanted to try her books. This sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHer books can be sad at times, I loved Ethan Frome about a farmer in Massachusetts.
DeleteI got this book because I thought I wanted to read it, but every time I pick it up it sounds so depressing that I put it back on the shelf. Kudos to you for reading it. Wharton is a great writer, but sobering.
ReplyDelete"SOBERING" is a very good descriptive Jane. It made me smile a lot I must say as Undine was such a piece of work!
Deletei think i want to read this. i do love edith wharton. thanks for highlighting it.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you are an audiobook person Marie, but, this particular download from my library (Tantor Media) is quite good. You really get a falir for the real Undine LOL
DeleteHi Diane,
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with this novel by Wharton. I'm putting it on my Classics List. It sounds as though Undine was undone by the society and culture she lived within. Fascinating!
Undine was a fascinating character, Wharton did a great job showing us her every wart. LOL
DeleteHmm. Interesting. I love Wharton (from Ethan Frome) and need to get to more of her books. Undine seems like a piece of work but does it measure up to her other novels?
ReplyDeleteI LOVED Ethan Frome and although this one was a longer book, I loved the way Wharton developed Undine's character. She was fascinating to read about and I pitied the men she set her sights on...LOL
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