Wharton is so tragic (Ethan Frome especially) that I missed her humour until a couple of chapters in! I personally can't use the word 'funny' alongside her work but she does make one chuckle. She is witty and sharp and has an eye for social absurdities. Similar to Austen in having a sardonic view of society, but Wharton cuts much deeper, and with subsequent more dire consequences.

What I enjoyed the most was the turn-around in how we are left thinking about certain characters. How our cynicism turns to empathy or at least an understanding of sorts.

She is a master at creating a claustrophobic world and the emotions that seek to tear that fabric.

I enjoyed this so much that I would have given it 5 stars if it weren't for three aspects;
- the labouring of the 'Old New York' phrase in the first half (I get it Edith!)
- I wanted something more from our heroine. She is introduced as someone controversial and rather daring. But her actions and words as we know her don't always live up to that persona. I wanted more oomph from her.
- and the anti-climax of the ending. It just left me flat.

Over all wonderful Wharton stuff, but House of Mirth remains my favourite.