Edith Wharton 
The Custom of the Country (Romance Classic) 

Edith Wharton’s ‘The Custom of the Country’ is a classic romance novel set in early 20th-century New York, exploring themes of social status, female ambition, and the clash between old and new money. Wharton’s elegant prose and detailed character development paint a vivid picture of the protagonist Undine Spragg, a ruthless and ambitious young woman determined to climb the social ladder at any cost. The novel’s portrayal of American society at the time provides a fascinating insight into the values and customs of the Gilded Age. Wharton’s psychological depth and keen observations make ‘The Custom of the Country’ a timeless masterpiece of American literature. Edith Wharton, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, drew inspiration from her own experiences as a member of the New York elite to write this novel. Her sharp wit and satirical commentary on society’s norms and expectations are evident throughout the book, reflecting her keen observation of human nature. I highly recommend ‘The Custom of the Country’ to readers who enjoy sophisticated and thought-provoking literature, as Wharton’s exploration of love, ambition, and social class will surely captivate and challenge your perceptions of society and human behavior.