The Custom of the Country

By: Edith Wharton

Narrated by: Barbara Caruso

Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for literature, Edith Wharton stands among the finest writers of early 20th-century America. In The Custom of the Country, Wharton’s scathing social commentary is on full display through the beautiful and manipulative Undine Spragg. When Undine convinces her nouveau riche parents to move to New York, she quickly injects herself into high society. But even a well-to-do husband isn’t enough for Undine, whose overwhelming lust for wealth proves to be her undoing.

Public Domain (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Is there a more unlikable character in literature?

Scarlett O’Hara at least loved Tara and Ashley Wilkes. But Undine Spragg has no redeeming qualities! That said, I listened to all 15+ hours because Edith Wharton is a master story teller whose insights and observations of social behaviors is unmatched.

wonderful

A fascinating and interesting description of a particular time before the Great War. The narrator was excellent.

Fascinating story

I read that Sofia Coppola will be making this book into a movie. I can't wait for its release!

A perceptive examination of Gilded Age New York

Edith Wharton continues her examination of New York "Society" - with the introduction of a new heroine (Undine Spragg) - who dreams of 'making it big' (getting what she wants) in New York City.

There is much commentary about "Society" enforces its will - and punishes (through emotional violence - exclusion - banishment) for those who offend; the double standards and hypocrisy of the day.

Excellently written - astute observations with reference to 'the players and non players in the game'.

As relevant today as when it was written - the heroine succeeds up and until the end of the novel when she discovers that the item she really wants (?) she cannot have because of her own behavior and situation.

Should be of interest to those who read about the U.S. "Gilded Age".

Carl Gallozzi

Character definitions

I can see why Edith Wharton is considered a classic author. My interest was caught from the beginning. By the end I wanted Undine to get her comeuppance.

Superb Narration of a Thoroughly Modern Novel

I’d read Custom of the Country before — the first novel about divorce— and found it fascinating and engaging. Thank God for a narrator who does it justice. Barbara Caruso is a wonderful actress who does all the accents and voices to perfection — no mean feat. She is also pitch perfect when reading the narrative, somehow letting the listener grasp the nuances just as Edith Wharton intended. Going to seek out more Barbara Caruso narrations right now!

Riding a speeding train

This Wharton narrative grabs you and takes you into a plot that moves like a speeding train. An unparalleled heroine- if not empathic- takes on the world with her unending ambition. The reader is magnificent! Highly recommended!

Fantastic Story and Narration

The writing blew me away - Wharton captures people and their motivations brilliantly. I couldn’t put it down. And the narrator was wonderful.

Hate This Book; Love The Narration

I loved Barbara Caruso’s version of the Anne of Green Gables series, and decided to try some more of her work.

Unfortunately I couldn’t listen to more than three hours of this book. The main character is such a naïve, vain, and silly character. I could not stand her.

An enjoyable story if you have a bit of patience

I like to admire the main character of a novel. Eary in listening to this story, I forgave the faults of the main character and tried to find her positive attributes. Eventually, I realized that I hated the main character. I'm so glad I don't know anyone in real life quite like her. I almost quit listening at that point, but there were things that I wanted to hear how they would be resolved. So I was patient and kept listening. Eventually, I realized that in perhaps a bit of sarcastic humor that the author wants the reader to dislike the main character. At that point, my disdain for her turned to pitty and I stopped looking for any positive characteristics in her. Once I got past that, I was able to enjoy the story much more.