Undine Spragg’s beauty is her only asset. So she uses it ruthlessly.
As her parents rise from rural obscurity to modest acceptance in early Twentieth Century New York, Undine bullies them into sacrificing their assets on the altar of aristocracy. She splurges on expensive clothes, seats at the opera, and fancy parties.
When her father’s finances begin to wane under her demands, Undine sets her sights on Ralph Marvell, an idealistic young bachelor who worships her. His inability to compete in Wall Street’s financial wars force Ralph to borrow money to satisfy Undine’s appetites. Edith Wharton’s novel carries us through a series of romantic manipulations, scandals, and financial disasters that, nevertheless, leave Undine on dry ground while her victims drown at her feet.
One of Wharton’s characters observes that in 1913 America, a man burns himself out trying to please his wife instead of taking an interest in her. The result is a cavalier attitude about the sanctity of marriage and a high divorce rate. But this is not to excuse Undine, who exploits even her own child to fulfill an unquenchable thirst that Wharton sums up perfectly in the novel’s final sentence.
Undine is not the only despicable character in Wharton’s tale. Peter Van Degen, an openly unfaithful husband, gets what he deserves. Conversely, Elmer Moffatt, who is much like Undine, manages to rise from the ashes of his wild business ventures to rescue her from the consequences of selfishness.
All this drama emerges from the skillful pen of one of America’s finest novelists. The Custom of the Country is a classic that should appeal to anyone interested in tales of misplaced values. I give it a respectful five-star endorsement.
Featured by Chevron Ross
Follow these links for more about the Chevron Ross novels
Weapons of Remorse The Seven-Day Resurrection The Samaritan’s Patient
