This is one of these books that is in obvious ways worthy of the name classic. The language is beautiful, the story is well thought through, the main character appealing.

Still, the story could not really grasp me. Especially the first half was at times a bit dull. I could be reading, finish a page, be ready to turn it over and then come to the realization that I had read without reading. The story seems a bit shallow in the first part, which I think is due to the fact that we do not know Lily very well and any trouble she is getting into seems easy to repair. I do not like the book enough, if I did I would see that it is worth rereading when one knows what everything is leading to. Smaller hints would become more clear.

When things make a turn for the worst the book became more appealing to me, which is the reason I ended up giving 3 stars.

Spoiler

Lily is a stronger and a weaker woman than I am, both at the same time. She is an underdog in her world, but she has weapons, but her character and nature do not allow her to use her weapons. It is her greatest feature and doom.

Regarding the title, I was happy enough to come across it. The title does not seem to have a clear connection to the book, but this quote from the Bible might have been more common knowledge when the story came out.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

Spoiler

sleep well little fool