The Custom of the Country

De: Edith Wharton

Narrado por: Barbara Caruso

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

Fascinating story

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

wonderful

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

Narcissistic

I have never read a main character as distasteful and narcissistic then this one. I was glad when she was down on her luck . And thought other characters ignorant to have anything to do with her. I walked away feeling sorry for Paul. And my distaste for his mother increased.

Delightful!!

A friend recommended this to me after seeing how much I adore F. Scott Fitzgerald. Of course, her writing is different, but it is similarly delightful!! I enjoyed this to the fullest!!

Great Narration

Enjoyed listening to this novel very much. The story is so well written and in the hands of such a wonderful narrator it was really brought to life.

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.

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!

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.