The Custom of the Country

The narrative centers on Undine Spragg, a beautiful and ambitious woman navigating the constraints of early 20th-century society. Her relentless pursuit of wealth and status leads her through multiple marriages, showcasing her adaptability and insatiable desire. Spanning locations from New York to Paris and beyond, the novel serves as a dark satire of American culture, critiquing the excesses of the nouveau riche and the limitations placed on women. Wharton’s work is celebrated for its depth and insight into societal norms and ambitions.