#5280
Mentioned in 10 episodes

House of Mirth

Book • 1908
Edith Wharton's "House of Mirth" is a classic novel of American literature that explores themes of social class, ambition, and the constraints placed upon women in the Gilded Age. The story follows Lily Bart, a beautiful and charming young woman who struggles to navigate the complexities of New York high society.

Wharton's writing is characterized by its sharp wit and social commentary, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.

The novel's exploration of themes of wealth, power, and the hypocrisy of social conventions is both timely and relevant.

The characters are richly drawn and unforgettable, their flaws and vulnerabilities making them all the more human and relatable.

The novel's tragic ending is both heartbreaking and unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 10 episodes

Mentioned by
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Min Jin Lee
as a beloved classic while discussing the literary models for her narrative approach.
34 snips
Sunday Pick: Min Jin Lee | from Design Matters
Mentioned by
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Andy Greenwald
as a Modern Library classic that Phoebe Waller-Bridge could adapt into a contemporary series.
27 snips
‘Euphoria’ Season 3, Episode 4 and ‘Star Wars’ Streaming Numbers. Plus, Pitching Literary Classics as TV Shows.
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Naomi Fry
when discussing the portrayal of gossip in Wharton's novels, contrasting the destructive impact in "The House of Mirth" with the more defiant attitude in "The Custom of the Country".
20 snips
Gossip, Then and Now
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Naomi Kanakia
in discussing debates about the book’s antisemitism and portrayal of Simon Rosedale.
15 snips
Naomi Kanakia: How Great Are the Great Books?
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Meghan Daum
as a novel featuring a character who engages in hypergamy, exploring themes of social class and marriage.
A Life Without Children - Meghan Daum | Maiden Mother Matriarch Episode 119
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Mary Gaitskill
as a novel with subtle eroticism in the interplay between characters.
Mary Gaitskill on Subjects That Are Vexing Everybody
Recommended by
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Gregg Rosenthal
as a slow-burn classic with a thrilling climax.
Don’t Throw The Controller
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A. Natasha Joukovsky
as not being as good as The Custom of the Country.
Books That Matter: A. Natasha Joukovsky on EVELINA by Frances Burney
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Jim Endersby
as one of the books written by Edith Wharton.
Jim Endersby, "The Arrival of the Fittest: Biology's Imaginary Futures, 1900-1935" (U Chicago Press, 2025)

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