Books Like...

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton follows the life of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent socialite in 1900s New York, as she navigates the expectations of society and the pursuit of a wealthy husband to secure her social standing. Lily's struggles with societal pressures, her financial instability, and her personal choices lead to a tragic and poignant exploration of class, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. Wharton's writing style intricately portrays the complexities of Lily's character, the social customs of the time, and the inner turmoil faced by a woman trapped in a world of privilege and constraint.

'The Age of Innocence' by Edith Wharton is a novel set in New York high society in the late 1800s, focusing on the protagonist Newland Archer and his internal struggle between societal duty and personal desires. The book delves into themes of love, societal expectations, and individual freedom, as Archer navigates his engagement to May Welland while being drawn to the unconventional Ellen Olenska. Wharton's writing style is praised for its wit, intricate observations, and portrayal of the stifling nature of societal norms during that time period.

Belgravia by Julian Fellowes is a historical fiction novel set in the 1840s, revolving around the intertwined lives of two families - the Trenchards and the Bellasis. The story begins with a secret that links the families together, involving an aristocratic woman, an undeserving nephew, and a successful man in trade. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey filled with upstairs-downstairs intrigue, historical domestic details, and well-drawn characters, all set against the backdrop of England's upper crust society.

Edith Wharton's 'Twilight Sleep' is a 1927 Jazz Age novel that delves into the lives of the wealthy inhabitants of 1920s New York society. The story revolves around Pauline Manford, a New York hostess and do-gooder, and her family, particularly her daughter-in-law Lita, who represents the younger generation's boredom with societal norms. As the characters navigate marriage, scandals, and societal expectations, Wharton provides a satirical examination of the empty lives of the affluent during that era. The novel is characterized by sharp characterization and superb writing, offering a glimpse into the excesses and foibles of the people inhabiting this privileged world.

The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope is the third novel in the Palliser series, focusing on the character Lizzie Eustace who marries for money and becomes embroiled in schemes to keep control of a diamond necklace that rightly belongs to her late husband's family. The book delves into themes of greed, manipulation, and societal expectations, with a plot centered around the disputed ownership of the diamonds and Lizzie's deceitful actions. The writing style is characterized by detailed characterizations, a focus on the complexities of Victorian morality, and a narrative that explores the veneration of wealth and the dynamics of the English upper class in the mid-1800s.

Old New York by Edith Wharton is a collection of four novellas set in different decades of the 19th century, exploring the complexities of upper-class New York society at the time. Each novella delves deep into the social mores and moral dilemmas faced by the characters, showcasing Wharton's keen eye for human character and societal norms. The stories touch on themes of family relationships, societal expectations, sacrifices, and the clash between personal desires and societal constraints.

Wharton's writing style in Old New York is characterized by hyper-detailed, ironic, and merciless prose that dissects the societal context and individual struggles of the characters. The novellas offer a glimpse into the lives of individuals who challenge the rigid norms of their society, providing a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of defying societal expectations.

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton tells the tragic tale of Ethan Frome, a farmer living in Starkfield, Massachusetts, who struggles with his unproductive farm and his difficult wife, Zeena. When Zeena's cousin, Mattie, comes to live with them, Ethan becomes obsessed with her, leading to a heartbreaking story of unconsummated love and the struggle between passion and duty.

The novella is set in a bleak New England environment, with evocative descriptions of the winter landscapes adding to the melancholy tone of the story. Through Wharton's powerful characterizations and descriptive prowess, the narrative explores themes of poverty, unfulfilled desires, and the consequences of forbidden love, culminating in a tragic and haunting denouement.

'Rules of Civility' by Amor Towles is set in New York City in the 1930s and follows the life of Katey Kontent, a daughter of Russian immigrants who navigates the city alongside her friends Eve and Tinker Grey. The story delves into how individuals from different backgrounds strive to make it in the city during a time of social change and economic challenges. Through vivid storytelling, the book explores themes of class divide, personal growth, and the impact of key decisions on one's life trajectory.

The narrative is enriched by references to historical events and societal norms of the time, creating a vibrant picture of New York society in the late 1930s. The characters, such as Katey Kontent and Tinker Grey, are portrayed with depth and complexity, offering insights into human nature and the dynamics of relationships amidst a backdrop of social upheaval. The writing style is engaging, with some readers appreciating the author's ability to transport them back in time and weave a compelling tale of ambition, friendship, and self-discovery.

'The Founding' by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is the first installment in 'The Morland Dynasty' series, following the Morland family from York, England. The story begins with the marriage of the Morland heir, Robert, to Eleanor Courtenay, a young girl without wealth but with influential connections. Set in the 15th century world of Richard III, Elizabeth Woodville, and the Wars of the Roses, the novel delves into the lives of the Morland family as they navigate loyalty shifts between Lancastrians and Yorkists, impacting their fortunes and allegiances.

'The Portrait of a Lady' by Henry James is a complex tale that follows the life of Isabel Archer, a young American woman who inherits a fortune and finds herself navigating the social constraints of the 19th-century European society. The story delves into Isabel's choices, emotional development, and the impact of her decisions, portraying a character torn between freedom and societal expectations. Through vivid descriptions and witty dialogues, the novel unfolds slowly, revealing the inner turmoil and complexities of Isabel's character as she faces challenges in her pursuit of happiness and self-discovery.

The writing style of Henry James in 'The Portrait of a Lady' is characterized by scintillating dialogue, fine observation, and antithetical development, creating a narrative that is both precisely written and modern in its storytelling. The prose flows smoothly, propelled by James's magnificent language, capturing the psychological nuances of the characters and exploring themes of love, wealth, and the pursuit of personal values. Despite the length of the novel, the intricate portrayal of Isabel's journey from innocence to wisdom, along with the well-drawn supporting characters, makes for a compelling and thought-provoking read.