Twilight Sleep

In Twilight Sleep, Wharton masterfully critiques the lives of the wealthy, showcasing her ability to satirize their excesses while revealing a surprising sense of compassion and even a touch of admiration for some of her characters. Each individual, no matter how minor, is brought to life with vivid detail. Yet, beneath the surface of their bustling lives lies a profound emptiness and a pervasive sense of inauthenticity. This novel serves as a brilliant exploration of evasion and the hollowness of high society. - Summary by T. A. Copeland