The House of Mirth

'The House of Mirth' is one of Edith Wharton's most critically acclaimed novels, shedding light on the opulent and superficial high society of New York in the Gilded Age. It follows the life and struggles of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent woman of the upper class, as she navigates societal expectations, relationships, and her own aspirations in a world where appearances matter more than one's character. The novel presents a satirical and tragic look at the constraints placed upon women in the 19th and early 20th centuries and is a poignant critique of wealth and class.