79 pages 2 hours read

William Makepeace Thackeray

Vanity Fair: A Novel Without a Hero

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1847

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray follows Becky Sharp, a clever and manipulative woman of humble origins, and her friend Amelia Sedley, a naive and wealthy girl, as they navigate societal ambitions and personal relationships in 19th-century England. Themes of social climbing, betrayal, and love intersect against the backdrop of historical events, illustrating the morally ambiguous nature of their world. The book features discussions of physical abuse, racism, and suicidal ideation.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

William Makepeace Thackeray's Vanity Fair is lauded for its satirical critique of 19th-century British society, vivid characterizations, and complex plot. Critics appreciate its wit and incisive examination of social ambition. However, some find its length daunting and its moral ambiguity unsettling. Overall, it remains a cornerstone of classic English literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Vanity Fair?

A reader who enjoys Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray relishes 19th-century classics with incisive social commentary, complex characters, and satirical undertones. They likely appreciate works like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Middlemarch by George Eliot for their rich exploration of human nature and societal norms.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Satire

Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Period

Victorian Period

Victorian Literature / Period

Themes

Society: Class

Relationships: Mothers

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Topics

History: World