Edith Wharton uses language in such beautiful ways, and to read her prose is a literary experience to crown all others. Her similes and metaphors are genius, incredible. Her acute sense of humor is there as well, for example when she speaks of Mrs. Spragg's having more to fear now than simply the horse (the horse instructor had eyes upon her daughter). Her social commentary is sharp, and classification for this writer as an anthropologist is correct. It all comes together in one pivotal scene in which "the custom of the country" is specifically mentioned, and we recognize the relationships between men and women as they stand, and how women cannot truly be blamed for their faults in a society in which they are allowed to practice no crafts of their own. Custom's protagonist has ample faults to be sure. She is selfish and lives life only looking to acquire the next best thing, but as a reader, one surely never comes to hate her. She is an interesting character study, even if her motives are always one dimensional. One almost wonders at her lack of sympathy, and can only grieve at the wake of sorrow left in her trail. This book is beautiful and exceptional! - made me think of Henry James. Also amusing pondering the differences between Americans and our European equivalents and the differences that living in this country has instilled in us.Get more detail about The Custom of the Country.
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