The Custom of the Country

Another beautiful Wharton heroine that expects more of high society than high society seems to be willing to give her. Yet while The House of Mirth's Lily Bart makes us root for and shed tears for her, Undine Spragg isn't likeable at all. She's a self-absorbed social climber, lacking all empathy, even for her own family members. While she's craving a world of spending and constant entertainment, she slowly absorbs social etiquette by imitating others. She makes the mistake - twice - to fall for old money and titles, before realizing a world stuck in old customs is too rigid for her needs. Yet luckily for her, there's the new ‘custom of the country' that allows her to reinvent herself again and again. Only to find herself wanting again, wanting something else, something more.

Yes! Edith Wharton! I guess I'll have to read more.