“Which of us is happy in this world? Which of us has his desire? or, having it, is satisfied?”
Generally considered to be Thackeray’s masterpiece, Vanity Fair is a resplendent social satire that exposes the greed and corruption raging in England during the turmoil of the Napoleonic wars. Subtitled A Novel without a Hero, it traces the changing fortunes of two unforgettable women: the scheming opportunist Becky Sharp—one of literature’s most resourceful, engaging, and amoral heroines—and her foil, the faithful but naïve Amelia Sedley. Amid the swirl of London’s posh ballrooms and affairs of love and war, their fortunes rise and fall. Thackeray’s subversive, comic attack on the hypocrisy and “dismal roguery” of an avaricious world still resonates, more than 150 years later, with implications for our own times.
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"Even if the characters didn't create any interest on me (I didn't care about them, I didn't care if they were to die or to be exilated anywhere), I couldn't stop reading it. That's what it makes it such a good book."
— Fátima (4 out of 5 stars)
“Vanity Fair, though it does not include the whole extent of Thackeray’s genius, is the most vigorous exhibition of its leading characteristics…There is not a person in the book who excites the reader's respect, and not one who fails to excite his interest.”
— Atlantic“The Ur-text of toxic female friendship, and the template for fictive female relationships from Gone With the Wind to Gossip Girl, the story of a sweet — but dim — heiress and her ruthlessly amoral social-striving best friend takes our two, deeply different heroines, through the whirlwind of Napoleonic War-era England. While Amelia Sedley marries an undeserving cad but closes her eyes to the truth, Becky Sharp remains flint-eyed: sleeping and conniving her way to the top of the social heap. The novel’s final image: the two women meeting on opposite sides of the titular charity-fair-table, their diverging paths through life rendering them ultimately equal, challenges us to wonder what way is best.”
— Electric Literature" Interesting characters. The book tackles reality poignantly. "
— Yam, 2/13/2014" I hated this book. The first 200 pages were decent but it got old fast and then just became a chore rather than a pleasure. I get it Thackery you like witty names but 800+ pages with every peripheral character named something like "Countess Schlippin Schloppin"... Jokes not funny anymore. "
— Andrew, 2/8/2014" Hilarious. The characters are ridiculous, outrageous, selfish beyond imagining, but totally believable. An absolute pleasure to read "
— Charlie, 1/27/2014" I like the narrator's voice, entertainingly satirical. Found the villan, Becky, far more interesting than the "good" characters. Would have liked to have seen her come to a better end, but apparently smart women can only be so smart. It was clear in parts that Thackeray was publishing this in a magazine serial... there are large sections that could have used an editor, but if you need to stretch it over two years, I guess this is what you do.... "
— Kelly, 1/24/2014" This book was an enjoyable slog. Towards the end it was like finishing a marathon. One is going to finish because it would be more painful to not finish given the amount of emotional and physical investment. Not one likable character, except the narrator, perhaps. I had moments when I wished he would butt out and let Becky succeed. I was motivated to read this book because I kept watching the movie, over and over again. (I'm drawn to pretty costumes.) Anyway, at some point I had to see if the movie bore any resemblance to the book. Mostly no, which means I'm happy I read it. It could have been a much better movie with the less happy ending. Anyway, if you want a glimpse into Regency England, or at least a contemporary's critique from the distance of time, this is a good book to read. And I think I may have found some good material on men dressing to mislead others about military service... "
— Susan, 1/20/2014" I think this book will join my 'classics which dissappoint' category. Like middlemarch it started promising but it didn't come to live for me. Hopefully I'll find an other classic in the future which I'll enjoy more. "
— Anouk, 12/14/2013" Couldn't get into this one. Also tried the movie twice and disliked it both times. "
— Susie, 12/13/2013" A book I've been meaning to read for ages. I liked the contrasting characters and the two main female protagonists.Found the authors comments a little irritating. However you can't beat a happy ending "
— Paul, 12/12/2013" Victorian writing impresses me. This book is at the top for its exquisite writing and story. "
— Benedict, 12/9/2013" A tedious read at times, but worth sticking with. "
— Lisa, 12/8/2013" Don't give up in the middle where it gets boring. "
— Ansley, 12/3/2013William Makepeace Thackeray (1811–1863) was born and educated to be a gentleman but gambled away much of his fortune while at Cambridge. He trained as a lawyer before turning to journalism. He was a regular contributor to periodicals and magazines and Vanity Fair was serialised in Punch in 1847–8.
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.