54 pages • 1 hour read
The Custom of the Country
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Book Brief
370
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1900s
1913
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton follows Undine Spragg, a Midwestern girl who moves to New York City with her family in pursuit of wealth and high society connections. Her engagement and marriage to Ralph Marvell initially grants her access to elite circles, but financial and personal challenges arise, leading Undine to manipulate and pursue multiple marriages to secure her desired lifestyle. The novel includes themes of tragicomedy, greed, ambition, societal progress, and gendered expectations. This novel depicts death by suicide.
Gritty
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
16,743 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Edith Wharton's The Custom of the Country is praised for its incisive social commentary and compelling protagonist, Undine Spragg, whose ambition and moral ambiguity captivate readers. Critics commend Wharton's sharp prose and vivid portrayal of early 20th-century high society. However, some find the characters unsympathetic and the pacing uneven.
Who Should Read The Custom of the Country?
Readers who enjoy social commentary and character-driven narratives, akin to those in Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence or F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, will appreciate The Custom of the Country. Fans of literary explorations of American class and relationships will find this novel compelling.
16,743 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ralph Marvell
Ralph Marvell
A descendant of a historic New York family, Ralph is an intellectual who falls for Undine and struggles with financial stresses and societal expectations.
Elmer Moffatt
Elmer Moffatt
A self-made businessman with no significant family background who exemplifies American capitalist ingenuity and is driven by ambitious desires.
Raymond de Chelles
Raymond de Chelles
A French aristocrat whose wealth helps preserve his family's history; he tries to treat Undine as an equal but struggles with cultural differences.
Peter Van Degen
Peter Van Degen
A member of New York's social elite known for his superficial and party-loving nature, who maintains his status through his family connections.
370
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1900s
1913
Adult
18+ years
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