This is definitely one of the best books I read this year. Wharton, with her own crazy, feminist, rebellious lifestyle, made for a very interesting writer. I totally recommend doing a little research on Wharton before actually reading the book - it will totally pay off and make the reading of this novel so much better. I see why this is considered a classic, the writing is beautiful, the plot is amazing. I felt so bad for Lily Bart throughout the entire novel, though I probably should not have. Read this novel, it's worth it for the commentary on women's rights, marriage, and freedom alone.