I typically gravitate towards books that are strong in themes... this one wasn't. But what it lacked there it made up for in the melodramatic. It was emotional, sad, romantic, and complicated. Wharton's characters have a strong sense of reality. They are complicated,and messy and my heart couldn't help feeling for them even while judging them immensely. If you want a short, passionate, and sad book this would be the one for you!