by Edith Wharton
Published 2014
The House of Mirth is the fourth novel by Edith Wharton. First published in 1905, the novel is Wharton's first important work of fiction. It sold 140,000 copies between October and the end of December, adding to Wharton's existing fortune. The House of Mirth was written while Edith Wharton lived at The Mount, her home in Lenox, Massachusetts.The House of Mirth tells the story of Lily Bart, a woman who is torn between her desire for luxurious living and a relationship based on mutual respect and love. She sabotages all her possible opportunities for a wealthy marriage, loses the esteem of her social circle, and dies young, poor, and alone. Lily is initially of good social standing and rejects several offers of advantageous marriage. The book begins with Lily's 'scandalous' visit at a single man's apartment (Lawrence Selden). They seem to have a feeling for each other, but, unfortunately, Lawrence is not in possession of a big fortune, which turns Lily rather towards Percy Gryce, a young and timid millionaire. When everyone is convinced that Percy will propose to Lily on the next occasion, she suddenly changes her mind and steps back. This is clearly caused by an unexpected visit by Lawrence Selden, who is now convinced of his love for her, but does not want to risk marriage. Gryce soon marries another girl from the same circle. Lily's social standing erodes when her friend Judy Trenor's husband Gus gives Lily a large sum of money. Lily innocently accepts the money, believing that it is the return on investments he supposedly made for her. The rumors of this transaction, and of her mysterious visit to Gus in his city residence, crack her social standing further. One day Lily receives a note from Selden. She is sure he is going to propose and accepts the meeting the next day. Selden, frightened by this sudden change of her heart (earlier she virtually escaped when he tried to kiss her), flees to Havana, and then Europe, leaving no notice.
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Top voices for narrating this book
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Professional
“A clear, refined British RP voice sets the perfect tone for early 20th-century high society, offering a polished yet engaging presence.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Classy
“This voice’s classic British RP and warm tone provide an elegant foundation, ideal for delivering social commentary with subtle grace.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Crisp
“Its crisp enunciation and elegant quality align well with the narrator's observant and subtly critical nature, adding precision to the narrative.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Serious
“The deep, elegant texture of this voice can convey a sophisticated, slightly detached observation, fitting for a critical eye on society.”
British · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Professional
“Delivering with a calm and professional demeanor, this voice is suited for the measured and thoughtful pacing required for a classic novel's narration.”
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A refined and charming voice, initially elegant and poised, which gradually reveals an underlying vulnerability and eventually a tragic weariness.
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“This voice beautifully encapsulates Lily's initial poised elegance through its articulate delivery, while its underlying empathetic warmth hints at her developing vulnerability.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Professional
“Exhibiting a naturally conversational yet refined quality, this voice can portray Lily’s charming social interactions, with a subtle emotional range to reveal her inner struggles.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“The soothing, measured tone is perfect for conveying Lily’s initial gentle demeanor, gradually shifting to reflect her tragic weariness and deeper vulnerability.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Casual
“With its emotional depth and slightly raspy quality, this voice effectively highlights Lily's dramatic journey and profound internal shifts as the story progresses.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Serious
“The captivating and controlled delivery of this voice could underscore the intense pressures Lily faces, subtly foreshadowing her eventual tragic fate.”
An intellectual and thoughtful voice, conveying an air of quiet observation, perhaps with a touch of indecisiveness or reserved passion.
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Deep · Confident · Serious · +3 more
“His measured pacing and serious delivery are well-suited to Selden's intellectual character, providing a thoughtful and introspective presence.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Character-Voice · Entertainment · Deep · +9 more
“The deep, low register lends itself to Selden’s quiet observation and reserved passion, suggesting an inner world of complexity beneath his composed exterior.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Character-Voice · Deep · Low · +3 more
“This voice provides a contemplative and grounded quality, aligning with Selden's thoughtful nature and his low-key, observant role.”
A voice reflecting the confidence and social awareness of high society, possibly with an undercurrent of gossip or superficiality.
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“Her assured and composed tone perfectly suits Judy's high-society confidence and social awareness, without being overbearing.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Upbeat
“An upbeat and somewhat tenacious energy would capture Judy's active role in social circles, hinting at a bustling, gossipy presence.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Wise
“The warm, friendly inflection of this voice is ideal for Judy's pleasant conversational style, masking a potential undercurrent of superficiality.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“With its clear articulation and steady rhythm, this voice can reflect Judy's social command, portraying her as pleasant yet strategically engaged in high-society chatter.”
A voice that projects a sense of wealth and casual authority, potentially with a hint of carelessness or self-interest.
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Deep · Confident · Authoritative · +2 more
“This voice's deep and commanding quality authentically projects Gus’s casual authority, reflecting his status as a wealthy man of the world.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Character-Voice · Social-Media · Deep · Low · +10 more
“The theatrical yet serious resonance of this voice can effectively convey Gus's underlying self-interest and perhaps a hint of carelessness due to his wealth.”