There is something daunting about 19th century novelists - all those words! Yet so often - as is the case with Wharton - the words slip by like silk they are so well written. I had not read any Wharton - and what a pleasure, despite finding the world portrayed horribly fascinating in its shallow adherence to luxury. But that is the point - and in Lily Bart, Wharton has created an interesting, flawed heroine. Recommended.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 47 September 2008 ) |