As one step closer to our general
self-improvement, my book club decided to create our list for the year by
alternating contemporary and classic works. We all enjoyed Girl on a Train
and The Light We Cannot See, but our most recent choice was a classic
one.
We
just finished The House of Mirth and even though I’ve read Edith Wharton
before, I’m smitten. I don’t think I need to provide you with any other
explanation than the following excerpts which I found I had to write down, if
only to savor them that much longer.
“The girl’s face turned to her companion
like an empty plate held up to be filled.”
***
“She always entered the conversation with
a handspring.”
***
“She was not accustomed to the joys of
solitude except in company.”
***
“. . . all the guileless confidence of a
young girl who has always been told there’s no one richer than her father.”
***
“. . the sugar maples wavered like pyres
of light.”
***
“The two had the same prejudices and
ideals, and the same quality of making other standards non-existent by ignoring
them.”
Need I say more?
Interesting- I will check this one out!
ReplyDeleteI had to read Ethan Frome twice, once in high school and once in college. It rather put me off Edith. But your quotes inspire me to try again.
ReplyDeleteNever been a real Ethan Frome fan, myself.
DeleteHouse of Mirth was a scathing commentary on the life and mores of the time.
I really, really, really must get round to reading her. Would you suggest that I start with The House of Mirth?
ReplyDeleteI found it to be a real page-turner.
DeleteI have not read her, famous though she is. I guess I will have to do that!!
ReplyDeleteI have read others of hers but not I think this one. Thank you. I will add it to my wish list. And my towering un-read towers.
ReplyDeleteI've never read anything by Edith Wharton.Maybe I should.
ReplyDeleteI read "The House of Mirth" years ago and remember liking it a lot. I went through an Edith Wharton phase when I first moved to New York City and she IS terrific. I also read both "All the Light We Cannot See" and "Girl on a Train" this summer. Both great!
ReplyDeleteThe gal can turn a phrase and I will have to see if she is in my library. You got me interested.
ReplyDeleteNo need, she is only 99 cents on Amazon.
ReplyDeleteI haven't ever read any of Edith Wharton, I'll check my local library. No sense buying any until I decide if I like them or not.
ReplyDelete