The Custom of the Country

Edith Wharton

Overview

Edith Wharton's novel, The Custom of the Country, follows Undine Spragg, a young woman from the American Midwest, as she climbs the social ladder in New York City and Europe. The story explores themes of ambition, social mobility, and the clash between old and new money in the early 20th century. Undine's relentless pursuit of wealth and status leads her through multiple marriages and complex relationships, revealing the superficiality and moral compromises of the upper class.

Who it's for

• Readers interested in classic American literature.
• Those who enjoy stories about social climbing and ambition.
• Anyone keen to explore the dynamics of early 20th-century high society.

Key features