I was surprised by the racial comments given that Wharton writes of feminine independence and autonomy. Also, I did not realize this was an unfinished work. I had seen the 1995 serial and tried to watch the new Apple TV series but it is so far from the novel I couldn’t finish it. Annabel is an engaging character but I wish she could independently travel, perhaps to Italy? Her love of history and antiquity could lead her there, perhaps with her governess’ influence?

I was totally absorbed in the story, right up until the point where Wharton's original manuscript ended. I didn't know in advance that that was the part where she left off and Mainwaring took the story up, I only know that's where it became less interesting and a bit unoriginal.

I felt that the truly intended ending was heavily foreshadowed by Wharton: I can't even remember exactly who was present in this scene, but I think it was Miss Testvalley getting a tour of Honourslove from Sir Helmsley Thwarte. She is shown a Holbein painting of an ancestor and it is explained, that he was accused of being Anne Boleyn's lover; he was executed in her presence, before she was executed later herself. The theory being, of course, that Anne Boleyn represents Annabel, and the ancestor falsely accused of being her lover, represents Guy Thwarte. (I feel this theory of foreshadowing is backed up by the scheming of Lizzy and Hector to put Lizzy's sister Mabel in the way of the Duke of Tintagel, as a potential second wife. As though the Duke plays the part of Henry VIII and Mabel as Jane Seymour). Mainwaring's ending is quite happily ever after, which several readers have pointed out, Wharton did NOT do in her stories.

I haven't actually seen anyone else point out this foreshadowed incident, but it immediately jumped out at me as being very obvious. So I will be wondering for the rest of my life exactly how Wharton intended to ruin Annabel and Guy's impending happiness; but ruin I most certainly do think she meant to do.

Decided to read after loving the Apple TV adaptation. This is very different in some ways, but I ended up thinking both the tv version and this are wonderful.

Not my favorite setting or era, but a very engaging exploration of human nature - the nature of one young American girl in particular. Its fairytale-ish ending is flimsy and transparent, further commentary on the story as a whole. Disillusionment and fantasy exist side-by-side in Wharton's world, and they don't get along very smoothly. One can imagine that reality came crashing in just after the curtain fell.

Edith Wharton’s parts (about three-quarters) were 5 stars.

This was my second Wharton and I think I’ve found a new favorite classic author to dig into.

For a long time I’ve need fascinated by the “dollar princesses” of the Gilded Age and The Buccaneers is THE novel about this phenomenon.

The book follows five young American women primarily Nan, who travel to England for their season in search of titled husbands. The novel is split between their time in America, their season, and about two years into their marriages. There’s plenty of scandal (affairs of the heart!divorces! Terrible husbands!) The plot is both entertaining and sentimental and Nan’s character growth is masterful.

Were it not for the COVID-19 quarantine closing all public libraries in our state, I probably would have returned this book without finishing it. I can't say it was a struggle to read, but the only reason I found myself picking it up was in times of total boredom. Many reviewers have been critical of Marion Mainwaring's completion of the book, but what she contributed to finish it was far more succinct than the pages that Edith Wharton wrote.

The story is interesting but starts out very slow. There is a clear distinction between the beginning writing of Edith Wharton and the finishing touches by Marion Mainwaring. I felt like the characters were not fully flushed out - they were almost there! - but just not quite enough. Nan was a wonderfully written draft of a true extroverted introvert. She had so much potential. Still, it was an interesting read about a poor time in English history that required explosive revival from the American buccaneers.

Favorite Quotes:

1. Everybody's in a hurry in America. (Page 62)

2. One side of her loved . . . dancing, dressing up, midnight romps, practical jokes played on the pompous and elderly; but the other side . . . was passionately in earnest and beset with vague dreams and ambitions, in which a desire to better the world alternated with a longing for solitude and poetry. (Page 201)

3. "There are so many people in me," she thought; but tonight the puzzling idea of her multiplicity cheered instead of bewildering her. (Page 283)

Rate Procedure:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I loved the book so much I would reread it again and would recommend to a friend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Thoroughly enjoyed the book, could not put it down, would recommend to a friend, but do not need to read again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Probably a good book that I enjoyed but there was something about it I did not love (e.g. The writing style, the POV, etc.). I would only recommend to a friend if it was their "type" of book.
⭐️⭐️ - A book I have below average feelings for and it would not come with a recommendation from me but I would mention it in conversation if related to the book topic at issue.
⭐️ - I finished the book but I hated every second of it.

I almost rated this book 5 stars. As I was closing in on the end of the story, my heart was racing with excitement and I was ridiculously happy for the characters I had grown to love and root for. I understand the book is technically unfinished, but I still felt a million unanswered questions. I wanted to know what happened beyond. It’s safe to make certain presumptions, but I still felt the ending was rushed and slightly unsatisfying. At least I know sweet Nan is finally happy (Spoiler. Sorry).

I do have to note that the entire theme of a woman breaking social norms and expectations to remain true to herself even at the risk of scandal and degradation, though obviously not an unheard of theme, was triumphantly successful through the main character. It creates a satisfying arc.

Side note: one of my favorite things about this novel was the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. The two of them cracked me the heck up with all of their gossipy, conniving asides. I loved the fact that they arguably had the most loving and successful relationship of all the “girls.” Their peanut-gallery-style interludes made this book that much better.

Une lecture agréable pour un roman qui présente une vision assez classique des relations amoureuses mais qui en appelle à une certaine libération des filles. Le roman combat en particulier les préjugés contre le divorce. Il traite des relations ambiguës entre l'aristocratie londonienne et newyorkaise, entre fascination et méfiance. Je recommande.

Fun! I heard about this book in an interview with Julian Fellowes when Downton Abbey was on TV, and he said that this book was an inspiration for the series. I enjoyed the book, and loved the writing style. Long drawn out scenes were just rehashed later and that was clever. All of the characters were well defined and their speech patterns were different, and the mercenary motivations were interesting. Very readable and entertaining!

very funny that the reason guy doesnt take paquitas fortune was bc it was built off slave labor. to the person who finished the manuscript- cmon. also, idk. this finishing rang more of jane austen than wharton to me. not nearly hopeless enough.