The House of Mirth

The House of Mirth is a standalone novel and does not require reading any other books by Edith Wharton to understand its plot or characters. It offers a complete narrative arc within its pages.

The novel has been adapted into a film. The 2000 film adaptation, directed by Terence Davies and starring Gillian Anderson, is generally considered a faithful interpretation of Wharton's work.

The House of Mirth is often considered one of Wharton's most significant works, alongside The Age of Innocence and Ethan Frome, for its incisive critique of New York high society and its exploration of women's limited roles within it. It shares thematic concerns with her other novels regarding social constraints and personal freedom.