The House of Mirth
'The House of Mirth' delves into the life of Lily Bart, a beautiful yet impoverished socialite navigating the treacherous waters of New York's high society in the early 20th century. As she strives to secure a wealthy husband to maintain her social status, she grapples with societal expectations and her own desire for love and independence. Wharton's insightful portrayal of the constraints placed on women reveals the harsh realities of ambition and morality in a glittering world. With sharp social commentary and rich detail, this novel unveils the costs of a life steeped in privilege and the desperation lurking beneath the surface. Will Lily escape the suffocating confines of her gilded cage, or will the very society she seeks to conquer be her undoing?
By Edith Wharton
Published: 2002
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