"Set wide the window. Let me drink the day".
Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton
Thursday, January 24th was the 151st birthday of the American writer, Edith Wharton. You might remember several things were published coordinating with the celebration of her 150th birthday.
After reading several blog posts about Edith and enjoying the beautiful layout in Vogue's September issue
via
I suggested an Edith Wharton novel to my book group as our classic of the year. Many of us had previously read The Age of Innocence and some consider Ethan Frome (one of my personal favorites) too dark; we agreed upon The House of Mirth.
At the close of our January meeting I reminded everyone I was hosting in February and the title of our next book. Not to many sounded thrilled. There may have been a moan or two. I might take a beating on this one, but I, myself, savored every last word, finishing the last 50 pages ironically on her birthday.
It is often advised, by teachers, to write what you know. Ms Wharton most certainly followed this advice when she penned The House of Mirth. She was very much a part of the turn-of-century society she satirises in the novel many believe to be her best work.
Our heroine, Lily Bart, unlike our author, is a woman with a desire to live among the "irresponsible pleasure-seekers", but without the personal means to do so. She must instead rely on her her beauty, a small stipend she receives from her aunt and the kindness of those with whom she has attached herself.
"...The glow of the stones warmed Lily's veins like wine. More completely than any other expression of wealth they symbolized the life she longed to lead, the life of fastidious aloofness and refinement in which every detail should have the finish of a jewel..."
I found this to be the perfect description of Lily's desires. Lily discovers when one is on the outside looking in there is no room for bad decisions or poor alignments, and intentions are easily and sometime purposefully misconstrued and used to harm.
"The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning;
but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth."
Ecclesiastes 7:4
King James Bible
Edith Wharton does not write a "happily ever after" novel nor does she write with brevity. She does capture the desires and weaknesses of the human character beautifully. Still today many seek to fit into a group where they find themselves walking the edge and always beholding to others. And, like Lily they find the price forever steep and the fall quick and shattering. Is the message in The House of Mirth still relevant?
Absolutely!
This has been my favorite book of this book group year,
but I may have to wow my fellow readers with the food...
or drink.
A list of the books we've read so far this year:
Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn (a mystery/crime thriller...page turner, but not a favorite)
A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain, Robert Olen Butler
(a collection of stories told by Vietnamese refugees
who built a and around a part of the United States I know very well)
The Unit, Ninni Homqvist (it is really hard for me to dislike a book so much)
Where'd You Go, Bernadett, Maria Semple (totally enjoyed it)
Enjoy your winter reading!
After reading several blog posts about Edith and enjoying the beautiful layout in Vogue's September issue
I suggested an Edith Wharton novel to my book group as our classic of the year. Many of us had previously read The Age of Innocence and some consider Ethan Frome (one of my personal favorites) too dark; we agreed upon The House of Mirth.
At the close of our January meeting I reminded everyone I was hosting in February and the title of our next book. Not to many sounded thrilled. There may have been a moan or two. I might take a beating on this one, but I, myself, savored every last word, finishing the last 50 pages ironically on her birthday.
It is often advised, by teachers, to write what you know. Ms Wharton most certainly followed this advice when she penned The House of Mirth. She was very much a part of the turn-of-century society she satirises in the novel many believe to be her best work.
Our heroine, Lily Bart, unlike our author, is a woman with a desire to live among the "irresponsible pleasure-seekers", but without the personal means to do so. She must instead rely on her her beauty, a small stipend she receives from her aunt and the kindness of those with whom she has attached herself.
"...The glow of the stones warmed Lily's veins like wine. More completely than any other expression of wealth they symbolized the life she longed to lead, the life of fastidious aloofness and refinement in which every detail should have the finish of a jewel..."
I found this to be the perfect description of Lily's desires. Lily discovers when one is on the outside looking in there is no room for bad decisions or poor alignments, and intentions are easily and sometime purposefully misconstrued and used to harm.
"The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning;
but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth."
Ecclesiastes 7:4
King James Bible
Edith Wharton does not write a "happily ever after" novel nor does she write with brevity. She does capture the desires and weaknesses of the human character beautifully. Still today many seek to fit into a group where they find themselves walking the edge and always beholding to others. And, like Lily they find the price forever steep and the fall quick and shattering. Is the message in The House of Mirth still relevant?
Absolutely!
This has been my favorite book of this book group year,
but I may have to wow my fellow readers with the food...
or drink.
A list of the books we've read so far this year:
Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn (a mystery/crime thriller...page turner, but not a favorite)
A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain, Robert Olen Butler
(a collection of stories told by Vietnamese refugees
who built a and around a part of the United States I know very well)
The Unit, Ninni Homqvist (it is really hard for me to dislike a book so much)
Where'd You Go, Bernadett, Maria Semple (totally enjoyed it)
 |
| via tumbler |
Sounds like you have been busy reading . . . I must stay on task with my plan to do more reading in twenty thirteen! Less blogging will bring more reading for me, I am sure. Thank you for new selections to add to my lists.
ReplyDeleteLynne, I don't feel like I read nearly as much as I would like. There are just so many books I want to read, and I have so little time. And there are so many other things I enjoy doing. I don't watch a lot of television, so books are my entertainment of choice. I hope you are staying warm. Bonnie
DeleteI just reread The House Of Mirth last summer. It is such a stunning book. Lily was a complicated character, and I was so saddened when she died. . She made so many poor choices, but I found her endearing non the less. This is absolutely relevant today...I have aquaintinances who live for the crowd they are accepted into.
ReplyDeleteHello Bonnie:
ReplyDeleteWe really know Edith Wharton best through her Italian Gardens and her travels across Europe. We have to say that we know little of her novels and are, after reading this post, are tempted to delve more deeply into this area of her life.
Edith Wharton is certainly a woman whose passion for the Arts in all their guises has always fascinated us. She is quoted to have said that she could not live life 'calmly' and so is a most attractive personality as far as we are concerned.
Thank you for opening up other possibilities for us to get to know Edith better....
Jane and Lance, And you have introduced me to a side of Ms Wharton of which I am not familiar...her Italian gardens. I would one love to visit her estate, The Mount. They most recently held a birthday bash in honor of 151 birthday and will republish her book, "The Customs of the Country", in serial form just as it was first published in 1913 (I believe).
DeleteEnjoy your week. Bonnie
We read The House of Mirth in my book group as well. You are right in that the theme of the book is a true today as when it was written. Rather sad, don't you think. I prefer Jane Austin because it all works out in the end in her books and sometimes I need that. - http://mary-goingnative.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteMary, I believe Jane is quite possibly everyone's favorite. I do love a happy ending, but often it can seem contrived. Yes, the ending is quite sad, but I believe was the only way it could end. Lily could never have survived in a life of poverty. She had placed herself in a place where she had very few options. Thanks for the link to your blog. Bonnie
DeleteOh, how I wish it were me in that last adorable little picture ; when it comes to reading, life and work so often "get in the way" !xx
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree! Reading is my form of weekend and evening entertaining when I am home.
Deletei see you, in that last image!! happy reading!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteDebbie I will try this again....I love the piece when I saw it on pinterest. I knew I would use it somewhere! Hugs!
DeleteI've had Edith Wharton on my reading list forever but still have not read any of hers. Definitely enjoyed your review!
ReplyDeleteSit down, grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and enjoy! I hope you are staying warm. Bonnie
DeleteI really enjoyed 'The Children'. Look forward to hearing how everyone gets on with this month's book. Jx
ReplyDeleteThe quote, "Never make someone a priority who regards you as an option" Maya Angelou, sounds like it might apply to Lily. Beautifully written review Bonnie, it was a pleasure to read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all of this Bonnie. I'll have to bring this title up at our next meeting and see what happens. I've heard a lot about Gone Girl .. I may pick that up. I just started SNOBS ~ still too early to tell if I like it.
ReplyDeleteleslie
If I were in your book group, I would never give you a hard time!
ReplyDeleteLana, You are so kind. How fun it would be to be in a group together. Bonnie
DeleteBonnie, I had the same problem with my book group. I love this book and have read it several times. I am so glad your group is reading it and I predict they will love it, there is so much to talk about. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the film of this book, Bonnie? If not, do search it out as it is quite excellent throughout, from the opening scene where Lily is seen emerging through the steam from the train to her lonely death. It is very true to the novel and visually stunning. Gillian Anderson is perfect in the role of Lily. She has gone on to great acclaim in various Dickensian roles since then. (One of our daughters studied American authors in Europe as part of her degree, so we are quite well versed in Wharton and James! )
ReplyDelete