Guess what my friend, I finally did it. I finished the book, so holla at me baby.
I know that you doubted me because I take my sweet time to finish books but if the books are hella good, I wouldn't take so damn long.
I finished the book about a week ago but I thought it would be nice for me to give you my final thoughts on the book, as a gift for Good Friday. You're welcome.
The book is alright. The beginning was boss; I loved every part of it. I felt like I could really understand Lily's plight and I connected with her reasoning, because Wharton did a fantastic job of painting a picture of the setting.
I was so moved by her intimacy with Selden and it seemed very realistic in the way that they courted each other. I also liked that the reader was taken along on the journey from when their relationship transitioned from one of friendship to something more intimate.
It felt like I was reading a fresh concept throughout, even though there are similar stories out there. I honestly felt attached to Lily at times but still distance enough to acknowledge when she was being absolutely ridiculous and naive. Her ignorance blew my mind since she was introduced as a 29 year old woman early on in the book. I was quite confused at her inability to manage money, or simply work after receiving months of training. She chalked up her incompetence to the idea that she was ornamental and not trained for the working force, but to me it seemed like she gave up, lacked initiative or the spirit to make something of her self once she was removed from high society.
Still, the book has taught me a lot. It reminded me very early on that it is importance to state clearly and simply your intentions with someone, like Lily did with Selden when she wanted to initiate a better friendship with him. It also taught me about the thin line between setting boundaries with friends and being so distance from them that you are unable to ask for assistance when it's needed. That's just a few of the reminders you'll get from reading the book.
Readability wise, I have to admit that it can be a hard read. There are so many difficult words that are used throughout the book and you would either need to be somebody with amazing vocabulary, a lazy reader who just assumes what words mean, or someone like me who had a dictionary by their side to understand the story thoroughly.
Otherwise, the book is likeable, again depending on the type of reader you are. The story is well written but it can feel as though it's dragging on about 100 pages to the end of the book.
Generally, that is the main fault I had with the book and I didn't like the ending but that's something we can discuss if you comment below.
Overall I would give the book a 3.8 out of 5 because though it is a good read, I wouldn't say I loved it. The beginning was really good, but half way through, I felt the initial spark from the story was diminishing slowly and I really hated the ending.
Have you read the book before, did you like it? If so, what did you think of the ending? Comment below, because I'm curious to know what you think of the book either from reading my posts or reading the book yourself. Don't be stingy with your thoughts!
