The House of Mirth

"The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth." Ecclesiastes 7:4

Our book group just finished The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. We had a wonderful discussion. We did an overview of the plot for those who had not read it. My friend Michele did a great job of describing the characters for everyone. Those that hadn't read it decided she did such a good job, they felt like they didn't need to. The characters were very real. They had flaws and you felt their anxieties. It is really hard for me to relate to the high society life. I am just not drawn to that at all.

There was one character in the book that I just loved. Her name was Gertie Farrish. She was the solid, selfless, unnoticed woman that everyone fell back on. She is the kind of character that makes you look at your own life differently. I find myself looking more closely at those people that I lean heavily on and don't thank nearly enough. It reminds me that love is not glamorous, it is messy.

I hadn't realized the significance of the title until it was pointed out last night. You would think I would pick up Biblical references more quickly. The verse above very accurately sums up the book.

Edith Wharton has a wonderful way with words. In just a few lines she can make you understand characters in amazing depth. She was also able to convey a lot of communication between the characters that made you feel like you were there, but somehow outside of the conversation. She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer. I would like to read more of her books. So many books, so little time.