In "Custom of the Country," Edith Wharton delivers a scathing critique of society's obsession with wealth and status. The novel follows the manipulative and self-centered Undine Spragg as she climbs the social ladder, leaving a trail of broken hearts and ruined lives in her wake.

Wharton's writing is sharp and incisive, revealing the shallowness and materialism that pervades the world of high society. Undine is a compelling and complex character, simultaneously captivating and repulsive in her relentless pursuit of social advancement.

The novel's exploration of themes such as greed, ambition, and the corrupting influence of wealth is as relevant today as it was when the book was first published in 1913. Wharton's keen insight into human nature and society's more destructive impulses makes "Custom of the Country" a powerful and provocative read.

Overall, "Custom of the Country" is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that offers a searing indictment of the empty values of a society obsessed with wealth and status. Wharton's masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters make this a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the darker side of human nature.

Book Description:
Edith Wharton's 1913 novel is a devastating critique of American upward mobility, told through the journey of Undine Spragg from fictional Midwestern Apex City to New York to Paris. Undine is determined to acquire money and position through marriage, even if it means multiple divorces.