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1Author:  Wharton review: AnonymousRequires cookie*
 Title:  A Few Thought-Compelling Novels.  
 Published:  1996 
 Subjects:  University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text 
 Description: It is possible to write about the «smart set» and not be sophomoric or flippant. Edith Wharton does this, and her new novel, «The Reef» (Appletons), is a serious and important criticism of the aimless existence of the idle rich. Her criticism, however, is made subtly; it is a matter not of statement but of suggestion. George Darrow, a diplomatist, drifts into a foolish intrigue with Sophy Viner, a commonplace little person who has been making a dreary living as a companion to a vulgar woman of wealth. After a Parisian sojourn they separate, and when next he meets her, after three years, she is acting as governess to the little daughter of Anna Leath, a widow whom he is courting. This is embarrassing enough, but worse is in store. Sophy, he finds, is affianced to Owen Leath, Mrs. Leath's stepson. There is something reminiscent of Pinero in Mrs. Wharton's method of juggling these troubled souls. «The Reef» could be made into an admirable drama. The plot comes to its climax naturally, in the manner of life, with that irony which is characteristic of the way of the gods with foolish people. For Mrs. Wharton's people are foolish—they are vain, selfish and flatly materialistic. She has knowledge of but not love for mankind. Perhaps it is fairer to say that she has no love for the class of which she writes with such cruel realism. It is certain that the future historian who wishes a clear idea of the thoughts and actions of the most worthless people of this generation will need but two books—«The House of Mirth» and «The Reef.»
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