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The Buccaneers

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

32 posts | 30 read | 3 reading | 28 to read

Five American girls, denied access to 1870s New York society due to the newness of their wealth, go to England to marry into the cash-hungry aristocracy

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review

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Pick

pick

Wharton‘s last, unfinished novel explores the experience of wealthy American girls, shunned by New York society, who go on to marry into the British aristocracy. While the toffs like the money and the girls like the feeling that they have beaten NY, the culture clash prohibits marital harmony. Wharton‘s writing is as glittering as ever & it is a great shame that we will never know how she would have developed her intended story. #WhartonBuddyRead

review

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Meh

so-so

Wharton never finished this, and she never reached the really dramatic parts she sketched out in her synopsis. The title refers to rich American young girls who in the 1870's raided the English nobility for marriages like pirates. We follow 5 girls rejected by NY society. One, Nan, has a special governess who advises they go to England. They all do and we get to a darker part of the story before the manuscript stops.
#whartonbuddyread

tagged users icon

Lcsmcat, CarolynM, TheBookHippie, Leftcoastzen, Currey, jewright, AllDebooks

CarolynM Great review. And thanks for the reminder that I need to post a review of this one too🙂 2w

53 likes1 comment

blurb

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

The Buccaneers - the unwritten conclusion
- #whartonbuddyread

Wharton never finished this. Her manuscript ends with Book 3. She had written a synopsis and others have filled in completions.

I found my copy‘s completion unreadable. I read 8 pages and quit.

I think the synopsis changes and reveals themes. The book is no longer about a playful clash of cultures, but about love struggles, sacrifice and loneliness. Themes Wharton lived. Thoughts?

tagged users icon

Graywacke Sorry for the really late post guys, i wasn‘t reading anymore and forgot! 🙈🙁 3w

Graywacke @AllDebooks @CarolynM @Currey @IMASLOWREADER @jewright @LapReader @Leftcoastzen @TheBookHippie 3w

CarolynM At the end of my book is a synopsis for the whole of the novel, with only 2 paragraphs for the unfinished part. It seems to me that the written part strayed from the synopsis, so the story could well have become something other than the original idea. 3w

See All 12 Comments

Graywacke @CarolynM I noticed that too. Good point. Any thoughts on where it was going? 3w

Lcsmcat I agree that you‘re right about the themes - the culture clash is part of what causes the misunderstandings that cause the misery of the marriages, but isn‘t the main point. It‘s classic Wharton unhappy marriage plot, but what shone out to me was how well she depicted female friendship. That part seemed new to me. 3w

CarolynM If the synopsis is to be believed, Miss Testavalley was going to have a story of her own, as well as her involvement with Nan. I wonder if EW might have been planning to contrast a love story that ends happily because the lovers abandon respectability, with a love story that ends sadly because the lovers won‘t or can‘t do so. 3w

Lcsmcat @CarolynM I wish we could read her ending! 3w

TheBookHippie Sorry missed last week! I agree about female friendships, seemed more intimately connected and important? At any rate I‘m with @Graywacke I read a bit of the “ending” and bailed 😵‍💫🤪 I too wish we knew where she was going with it. And I like your idea @CarolynM 3w

TheBookHippie I think loneliness seeps through the pages… 3w

Graywacke @TheBookHippie I posted the relevant synopsis in last weeks comments (under spoiler skull thingy) 3w

TheBookHippie @Graywacke ah thx!!! 3w

jewright I wish she would have finished this one. It‘s so hard to say exactly what would have happened. 3w

49 likes12 comments

blurb

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

The Buccaneers - Book 3
#whartonbuddyread

Ok, 1st of all, I didn‘t see that marriage happening. What a devastating way to open book 3.

2nd - that‘s the end of Wharton‘s draft.

3rd - but she also left a synopsis. So we know what is going to happen. But that‘s looking ahead.

4th - so, Book 3 - thoughts on Longlands, Ushant, Dowager, Thwarte, Conchita, Testvalley, Lizzy Robinson?

5th - completion plan next week. See comments.

tagged users icon

Graywacke Completion plan: as Wharton left a synopsis, there are a couple completions. We can discuss them Saturday Feb 22 - synopsis, completion, and the overall themes they reveal. Sound ok? (edited) 4w

Graywacke Note: My edition has a completion based on a 1990‘s television take - but doesn‘t follow the tv script, because that script changes the plot and makes Ushant openly gay (something possible but not openly suggested). It‘s a hundred pages. I admit I‘m not super enthused to read it, but willing to give it a try. Still I definitely want to discuss overarching themes. (edited) 4w

Graywacke @AllDebooks @CarolynM @Currey @IMASLOWREADER @jewright @LapReader @Lcsmcat @Leftcoastzen @TheBookHippie 4w

See All 39 Comments

Currey @Graywacke I also was upset that Nan married as she did and that it further diminished her self confidence and quirky nature so much. I rather like the fact that Testvalley was given a romantic role. Having read so much Wharton now, it does not feel as if she intended everyone to live happily ever after. The best we can hope for is for Nan to gain some self confidence. 4w

Currey @Graywacke - my book does not have the synopsis but an ending written by someone else. Can you share where to find synopsis? I do not want to read a TV ending. 4w

Currey @Graywacke I read that Wharton based Lizzy on the mother of Winston Churchill. There are many paintings of her and she was quite beautiful (in the paintings) and known to be intelligent, and ambitious for her husband and son. 4w

Graywacke @Currey Lizzy is Winston‘s mom?!! Wharton noticed Winston‘s mom in the 1930‘s? !! 4w

Currey @Graywacke https://images.app.goo.gl/23FsvTmYugGQPNu36 4w

Graywacke @Currey if i can find the synopsis online, i‘ll share a link. It‘s six pages, so tough to share here. I‘m happy to photograph the pages and email anyone interested. Email me at: dan iel . chaikin @ gmail . com (without spaces) 4w

Graywacke @Currey she was gorgeous. Was she American? 4w

Graywacke @Currey clearly yes. What a character. Premarital pregnancy, many lovers rumored. I‘m intrigued! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Randolph_Churchill 4w

Graywacke Amongst his biographers, there are varied opinions on whether he was conceived before the marriage, or born two months prematurely after Lady Randolph "had a fall." When asked about the circumstances of his birth, Winston Churchill replied: "Although present on the occasion, I have no clear recollection of the events leading up to it." 4w

Currey @Graywacke Yes, quite the beauty and quite the social manipulator for her own ends. Love the Winston quote. 4w

Lcsmcat Once again I‘m behind. 🙄 But yeah, I saw that marriage coming the way you see an accident happening and can‘t stop it. 😀 4w

Lcsmcat Wharton‘s negative view of marriage is on full display, but I‘m also getting conflicting emotions from her on the old vs. new we saw in Hudson River Bracketed. Quote below 4w

Lcsmcat “At least life in England had a background, layers and layers of rich deep background, of history, poetry, old traditional observances, beautiful houses, beautiful landscapes, beautiful ancient buildings, palaces, churches, cathedrals.” 4w

Graywacke @Lcsmcat about the marriage… i kind of wanted a next step by Ushant. Clearly he did not listen to Laura Testvalley. 4w

Graywacke @Lcsmcat my introduction argues that Wharton appreciated the value of marriage. But she had a bad marriage. It also makes parallels between Nan and Wharton (unhappy marriage), and between Testvalley and Wharton (unmarried in middle age). (It also confirmed my Buccaneers explanation mentioned late in last week‘s post. Although I suspect you and others had already worked that out) 4w

Lcsmcat @Graywacke And one wonders if she were offering an alternative to Henry James‘ The Ambassadors? 4w

Graywacke @Lcsmcat tell more! I haven‘t read James 4w

Lcsmcat @Graywacke I don‘t remember a lot about it but it‘s also about the Europe is better than America and all cultured Americans are that way because they follow Europe‘s lead. It‘s more from the male point of view, and I don‘t remember it having the depth of feeling in the female characters that Buccaneers has. 4w

CarolynM I found this last Book rather sad. In some ways Nan reminded me of Lily Bart, but here she gave in to the “need” for marriage and the consequences were tragic in their own way. The social and cultural misunderstandings also made me think of a modern American duchess… My ebook contains a brief synopsis at the end, only 2 paragraphs sketch out the intended ending. It would have been interesting to see how she would have developed it. 4w

Lcsmcat @CarolynM I saw Nan as more like Halo. She went into the marriage thinking it was a live match, and then discovered her husband‘s true personality. 4w

CarolynM @Lcsmcat I think Halo was much more sophisticated and equipped to carry out the wifely role both public and private. Neither Nan nor Lily seemed to me to have the desire for any of it. 4w

Lcsmcat @CarolynM That‘s true. I was thinking more of the motivation to get married, than the ability to handle being married. 4w

Graywacke @CarolynM @Lcsmcat interesting comparisons. Wharton certainly has several different takes on marriage, and they aren‘t particularly inspiring. ? @CarolynM - Nan‘s situation is really sad, especially as Testvalley gave the warning clearly. The Duke didn‘t listen. His take on a relationships (thinking 740 should get him sex) is remarkably unaware. He just doesn‘t see what‘s going on with Nan. He can‘t. 4w

Graywacke I surrender. I read 8 pages of Mackworth-Young completion and it was awful. No more! 😳😁 4w

Graywacke @Currey - last four paragraphs of the Synopsis
- But though she (Nan, upon marrying Tintagel) is dazzled for the moment, her heart is not satisfed. The Duke is kindly but dull and arrogant, and the man she really loves is young Guy Thwarte, a poor offcer in the Guards, the son of Sir Helmsley Thwarte, whose old and wonderfully beautiful place in Gloucestershire, Honourslove, is the scene of a part of the story. 4w

Graywacke Sir Helmsley Thwarte, the widowed father of Guy, a clever, broken-down and bitter old worldling, is captivated by Miss Testvalley, and wants to marry her; but meanwhile the young Duchess of Tintagel has suddenly decided to leave her husband and go off with Guy, and it turns out that Laura Testvalley, moved by the youth and passion of the lovers, and disgusted by the mediocre Duke of Tintagel, … 4w

Graywacke … has secretly lent a hand in the planning of the elopement, the scandal of which is to ring through England for years. 4w

Graywacke - Sir Helmsley Thwarte discovers what is going on, and is so furious at his only son's being involved in such an adventure that, suspecting Miss Testvalley's complicity, he breaks with her, and the great old adventuress, seeing love, deep and abiding love, triumph for the first time in her career, helps Nan to join her lover, who has been ordered to South Africa, and then goes back alone to old age and poverty. 4w

Graywacke - The Elmsworth and Closson adventures will be interwoven with Nan's, and the setting will be aristocratic London in the season, and life in the great English country-houses as they were sixty years ago. 4w

jewright I finally caught up. I just feel sorry for Ushant and Nan. Both of them are unhappy and seem incapable of understanding the other. What a disaster. 3w

Currey @Graywacke @jewright @Lcsmcat I broke down and read the Marion Mainwaring finish of my edition. It was awful. It got all the main points across but did it in such a way that it might as well have been: and then Nan and Ushant….and then Testvalley and…awful. I know if Wharton had finished the novel it would have been bittersweet, with some coming together of love while losing much of what they valued including his inheritance. 3w

Currey @Grawywacke @jewright @Lcsmcat And Testvalley should have been heartbreaking 3w

Lcsmcat @Currey I‘m glad I didn‘t rush out and buy a “finished” version! Mine ends with Wharton‘s outline, but very perfunctory, as an outline should be. And yes, lots of heartbreak to go around, but especially Testvalley who was heartbroken for herself and her Nan. 3w

Graywacke @jewright it‘s really sad - the marriage. Hopeless. 3w

Graywacke @Currey you‘re a masochist. One thing my 8 pages of completion reminded of, is that Wharton could write. She makes stuff look easy, but she has a sense of drama, and manages nuance expertly 3w

Graywacke @Lcsmcat that seems to be the best way to end it. 3w

41 likes1 stack add39 comments

blurb

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

The ruins of Tintagel castle in Cornwall

The Buccaneers - Book 2
#whartonbuddyread

Scene switch: We‘re in England, and new American wealth collides with English heirs. Nan has romantic interludes. Lady Churt confronts Seadown and Virginia. Then, Tintagle confronts Testvalley. What would you have liked Testvalley to say?

Where are you all with this, within your Wharton mindset?

tagged users icon

Graywacke @AllDebooks @CarolynM @Currey @IMASLOWREADER @jewright @LapReader @Leftcoastzen @TheBookHippie 1mo

Currey @Graywacke Well, I am having fun reading it. The themes of new money versus old money, and English class versus the class climbing Americans, is soap opera ish enjoyable. The book is a bit messy but maybe that is just the amount of characters one has to keep track of and who they are all being courted by. On the other hand, it doesn‘t really seem to have Wharton‘s core gravitas. A touch in Nan and Testvalley but everyone else are a bit thin. 1mo

TheBookHippie I‘m having fun reading it. I‘ve also been binging American Viscountess on YouTube and she mentions often how very young American brides saved castles. This is more soap opera and not as sophisticated maybe as other books. Can‘t put my finger on it. It is however fun. I do love Nan. 1mo

See All 27 Comments

Graywacke @Currey @TheBookHippie i agree with you both. Entertaining but light and soap opera-y. I ask myself, what is she trying to accomplish with this? And also, how much would she have kept if she had been able to finish and refine it. 1mo

Lcsmcat @Graywacke @Currey @TheBookHippie I wonder how much stronger this would have been if it were a finished work. I‘ve not studied Wharton‘s writing practices enough to know how much rewriting she did. But also, was it unfinished because she wasn‘t that thrilled with it herself,or because she ran out of time? Does anyone know? 1mo

Lcsmcat Love that you found a photo of the castle ruins! So cool. 1mo

Lcsmcat I only highlighted one quote this time. It‘s about Nan. “she never felt herself matched against things greater than herself, but softly merged in them;” I think it does so much in one sentence to define her character. 1mo

TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat I have no idea, I did wonder if she would have totally reworked it. Was it just notes? I guess should look all this up… Have you seen the Apple TV version 😳… talk about reworked. 1mo

Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie I haven‘t seen that one. I think the one I saw was the 1995 version. 1mo

Graywacke Nan is practically un-dislikable. Everyone with taste loves her. 1mo

Graywacke @TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat - i gave the series two episodes and abandoned it. This mixing of time period and contemporary was too much for me. The music had me completely out of touch. 1mo

TheBookHippie @Graywacke It was ......something. WOWOWOWOWOW. The young people adore it.... 1mo

Lcsmcat @Graywacke Is it like the DiCaprio Romeo & Juliet where they are saying the lines about swords while holding pistols? 1mo

Graywacke @Lcsmcat it‘s more like show how contemporary American attitudes can take over Victorian England. Well, that‘s where i stopped. 1mo

Graywacke @TheBookHippie did it get better? 1mo

TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat it‘s like Bridgeton. (edited) 1mo

TheBookHippie @Graywacke NO. New season coming soon. I‘m curious how it ends. At this point it‘s a creepy Bridgeton with pretty colors and current music… 1mo

Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie 😂 1mo

TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat 😵‍💫 1mo

Leftcoastzen I didn‘t finish book 2 as quickly as I would have liked. I agree , wondering if Wharton would have rewritten it, flushed some of the characters out more. Nan & Testvalley are the most interesting and have the usual Wharton depth..I do enjoy the Americans enjoying the really old houses & estates.The reactions of the English being appalled and then charmed by the difference in the American lifestyle. 1mo

Graywacke @AllDebooks @Currey @Leftcoastzen @TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat - my 🦥 brain had a realization last night. We tend to sympathize with our main characters. From the British perspective, these American girls are real buccaneers, pirates looting the British of their titled bachelors. Hence the title. Perhaps we are reading about the villains? (edited) 1mo

Graywacke @Leftcoastzen the cultural clashes are entertaining. And Testvalley‘s efforts to keep the girls oblivious, heightening the contrast, is entertaining in its own right. 1mo

Currey I just started Book 3. This is not what I wanted for Nan at all!! 1mo

Graywacke @Currey i had a shock moment too. It‘s sad. (That‘s also what led to my question. I started rethinking why. Then i thought of Nan as a reluctant pillager of England. The sentimental melancholic pirate. Well, it‘s a charming image, anyway) 1mo

Currey @Graywacke - Yes, I see it now. A pirate has to do what a pirate has to do…. 1mo

Leftcoastzen Late to the party. Doubt I can finish the “finished “ version judging by the comments. I liked the contrasts between American & English styles , and was sad about the marriage that was doomed from the onset. Not her best work but I wish for a finished Wharton version. 3w

Leftcoastzen I never attempted the show ! 🙄😂 I‘m all for let Bridgerton be Bridgerton , but don‘t want Wharton mixed up in all that! 😏 3w

41 likes27 comments

blurb

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

The Buccaneers - Book 1

Five girls in NY in a world largely developed for us by the adults - Mrs. St. George, satirized shallow housewife and mother, and Ms. Testvalley, an out-of-style English Governess with Italian parents. We see several other characters and one interesting scene with all five girls welcoming the governess. We are back in time again, Age of Innocence era - which doesn‘t excuse the casual racism that closes Book 1. Thoughts?

tagged users icon

Graywacke @AllDebooks @CarolynM @Currey @IMASLOWREADER @jewright @LapReader @Leftcoastzen @TheBookHippie 1mo

Currey @Graywacke Well I am enjoying the collection of girls, Nan and Virginia, in particular. They are not Age of Innocence backstabbers. Even our governess Miss Testvalley is quite grounded. 1mo

Currey @Graywacke My edition has been completed by Marion Mainwaring. That last name is so Wharton. 1mo

See All 29 Comments

TheBookHippie Whew the classism and racism. I too enjoy Nan and Virginia ! This hits differently reading in the year of 😵‍💫. The dress thing in the opening reminded me of when my aunt would see women without “hose” nylons and the scandal of it all and that must be a loose woman 😂🤯😝🤪. Aging myself I know… 1mo

TheBookHippie @Currey mine as well with Marion! 1mo

Graywacke @Currey oh! My edition too, completed “Angela Mackworth-Young‘s adaptation of Maggie Wadey‘s scripts” - whatever that means. Our group read currently stops after Book 3. Should we add a week and compare adaptations? Or damn all Wharton imitators? ☺️ 1mo

Graywacke @TheBookHippie that‘s funny. At least St. George is pure satire. Testvalley isn‘t… well, maybe a little 1mo

TheBookHippie @Graywacke I love the satire 🙃. It was a funny thing to remember while reading. We can keep reading it would be interesting to see what happens! 1mo

TheBookHippie @Graywacke so my edition has Apple TV on it 😝 think that means they are using the edition as well to the series? Many students are in love with the series and now looking for Wharton books. 1mo

Leftcoastzen I‘m enjoying it , those Wharton mothers are always looking for an edge , scandal, divorce,race, there is always that . Nan & Virginia are fun. My ebook from the library is the Mainewaring, it does seem like a Wharton like character name! 1mo

Currey @Graywacke I suspect I will finish the book if only to see what somebody else thinks should happen. Then, after reading, I will damn all imitators!!! 1mo

Graywacke @TheBookHippie @Currey i‘ll give a the completion a shot. But… i hope it‘s readable. 1mo

Graywacke @Leftcoastzen and smoking. George Sands was known for smoking cigars in bed. Perhaps she‘s a model of sorts for Mrs. Closson. 1mo

Leftcoastzen Oh yes ! I had forgotten about George & her cigars ! 😂 1mo

Lcsmcat Woefully behind and just got home from being out of town. I‘ll chime in later tonight or tomorrow. 1mo

Graywacke @Lcsmcat no worries. Take your time. Hope the travel was for fun. 1mo

Lcsmcat @graywacke It was for fun - a baby shower for our newest granddaughter, due next month. 1mo

Lcsmcat @Currey My edition isn‘t completed. I may have to check the library for one that is. 1mo

Lcsmcat And of course I have quotes. ( So good to be back with Wharton‘s prose!) 1mo

Lcsmcat “He laid a hand on his wife‘s graying blond hair, and brushed her care-worn forehead with the tip of his moustache; a ritual gesture which convinced him that he had kissed her, and Mrs. St George that she had been kissed.” 1mo

Lcsmcat and “Mrs. Closson really could not see that there was much difference between one human being and another, except that some had been favoured with more leisure than others—and leisure was her idea of heaven.” 1mo

CarolynM The snobbery is hilarious. So pathetic that they are all so impressed by Lord Richard🤣 I‘m keen to find out exactly what went on between he and Miss Testvalley. I like her, but I‘m a bit unhappy about EW attaching her to the Rossettis. I wonder if Christina will rate a mention? 1mo

Graywacke @Lcsmcat appreciate the quotes. Maybe you can create your own completion. 🙂 1mo

Graywacke @CarolynM you remind me, I meant to share The Blessed Damozel - https://englishverse.com/poems/the_blessed_damozel 1mo

Lcsmcat @Graywacke I imagine it will be running through my head, but I don‘t anticipate writing it down. 😂 1mo

Graywacke @CarolynM I have passing wonder on whether Wharton is undermining Testvalley. She seems are moral guide. But she‘s old fashion, with out-dated educational style, focused on money, had a nonmarital affair, and has a racist sense. Perhaps Wharton intends this all to be positive. ?? Anyway, she‘s the most grownup character. The NY-style snobbery is entertaining. 1mo

Graywacke @Lcsmcat 🙂 1mo

jewright I‘m late commenting, but I do find it interesting that for a while the family just lived in a hotel. I know people sometimes did that, but that would be so weird. I also think it‘s odd they waited until the girls are so old to get a governess. I‘m pretty sure Miss Testvalley thinks the girls‘ education has been completely neglected. 1mo

Graywacke @jewright nice to see you. Miss Testvalley is remarkably tolerant. As for living in a hotel - hmm. I would appreciate the daily cleaning. ☺️ 1mo

35 likes29 comments

blurb

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Getting started. #whartonbuddyread

Leftcoastzen Gotta join in ! 2mo

Leftcoastzen 😻 2mo

Graywacke @Leftcoastzen yay! Please do! 2mo

50 likes3 comments

blurb

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Reminder - two weeks till next #whartonbuddyread 😍

Graywacke @AllDebooks @CarolynM @Currey @IMASLOWREADER @jewright @LapReader @Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie 2mo

Lcsmcat Looking forward to it! 2mo

Graywacke @Lcsmcat Wharton prose always settles my thinking. I‘m looking forward to that too. 2mo

See All 26 Comments

Graywacke By the way - i‘m only tagging anyone who has re-expressed interest. So we‘re at a group of 9 at the moment. 2mo

CatLass007 I‘ve never read any Edith Wharton before, but I do understand that she has written many books that are considered classics. Is there a master list for the books the group will be reading in 2025? Would you please add me to your tag list? Thank you. 2mo

TheBookHippie @Graywacke I‘m very happy to be reading this !!! 2mo

Graywacke @CatLass007 hi. There is a website called The Mount that has a lot of info. As for this group - we have read most of her works of fiction at this point. Buccaneers is actually her last novel, and also unfinished. We will read Fast & Loose, her first novel, published posthumously. And, i think, A Backward Glance, her memoir (that probably doesn‘t reveal anything). I‘m also hoping to read her biography by Hermione Lee. 2mo

Graywacke @CatLass007 You are certainly welcome to join us. By the way, the website is: https://www.edithwharton.org 2mo

Graywacke @TheBookHippie 🙂 2mo

CarolynM Looking forward to it.🙂 2mo

AllDebooks Thanks for the reminder. Looking forward to it. I loved the tv show. 2mo

CatLass007 Thank you. 2mo

Graywacke @CarolynM @AllDebooks 💙 2mo

Graywacke @CatLass007 you‘re welcome. Let me know if you decide to join in. 2mo

Lcsmcat @Graywacke @CatLass007 Weren‘t we also going to read the novella The Bunner Sisters, or am I misremembering? 2mo

CatLass007 @Graywacke @Lcsmcat I think that since you‘re wrapping up your Wharton buddy read, I won‘t be joining in, especially since The Buccaneers is not available in audio format from my library and and it‘s one of the few Wharton books that‘s not free on Audible. That‘s been my format of choice for the last few years. 2mo

Graywacke @Lcsmcat I keep forgetting those poor sisters… no, you‘re not misremembering. 2mo

Graywacke @CatLass007 bummer about Buccaneer audio access. I‘m curious where you will begin your own Wharton journey. You have such wonderful reading ahead. I think each reader might have their own answer on where to start, but my own suggestion is to begin with House of Mirth. (Wonder who reads it) 2mo

CatLass007 There are seven renditions of The House of Mirth on Audible, two of which are free. One is narrated by Anna Fields and the other is narrated by Eleanor Bron. I am not familiar with either narrator so I probably will listen to a sample of each and then decide. Thank you for your advice. I think with seven different narratives from which to choose, your advice is sound. 2mo

CatLass007 And it seems the version narrated by Anna Fields is no longer free. So, decision made. 2mo

Graywacke @Leftcoastzen - i hadn‘t tagged you here 2mo

Leftcoastzen Yes , I was a Wharton world dropout for a couple of the titles ! 2mo

Graywacke @Leftcoastzen it‘s nice to have you back 🙂 2mo

Currey Yes, I am hanging in until we get to “those sisters”. I would also like to read a biography. 2mo

Graywacke @Currey maybe we should read them next? @Lcsmcat ? 2mo

Lcsmcat @Graywacke Sure. I‘m game. 2mo

44 likes26 comments

blurb

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

repost for @Graywacke:

- #whartonbuddyread
- Feb 1 - Book 1
- Feb 8 - Book 2
- Feb 15 - Book 3

An unfinished novel. We‘ll discuss book 1 in six weeks.

#BuddyRead

22 likes1 stack add

blurb

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

- #whartonbuddyread
- Feb 1 - Book 1
- Feb 8 - Book 2
- Feb 15 - Book 3

An unfinished novel. We‘ll discuss book 1 in six weeks.

tagged users icon

Lcsmcat, Currey

Graywacke @AllDebooks @amysisson @Ann_Reads @arubabookwoman @batsy @BookishTrish @CarolynM @catebutler @Catherine_Willoughby @Cathythoughts @cindyash @Crazeedi 3mo

Graywacke @dabbe @Daisey @emilyhaldi @IMASLOWREADER @IndoorDame @jewright @KathyWheeler @kspenmoll @Leftcoastzen @LitStephanie 3mo

Graywacke @llwheeler @Louise @rubyslippersreads @SamAnne @sarahbellum @Suet624 @Tamra @TheBookHippie @willaful 3mo

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Graywacke Special request - let me know if you want to continue to be tagged. I think i tagged everyone who has been involved in the #Whartonbuddyread in the past. But the interest in this late unfinished novel might a lot less than normal - which is fine. (edited) 3mo

Currey @Graywacke I am in. 3mo

IMASLOWREADER yes pls tnx 3mo

CarolynM I‘m in. Thanks Dan. 3mo

Suet624 I seem to have abandoned Wharton. 🥴 3mo

AllDebooks I really enjoyed the recent tv series. I'm in! 3mo

Lcsmcat Looking forward to it! 3mo

Liz_M @LitsyEvents 3mo

Graywacke @Suet624 that‘s ok. (She‘ll forgive you ☺️) 3mo

Graywacke @Currey @IMASLOWREADER @CarolynM @AllDebooks @Lcsmcat wonderful! ❤️ 3mo

Suet624 @Graywacke it makes me sad though. 3mo

Graywacke @Suet624 hugs. Wharton is always there when the mood strikes. 3mo

LapReader I‘m keen. 3mo

Graywacke @LapReader hi. Fantastic. I‘ll add you 3mo

Graywacke @TheBookHippie @jewright hi guys. Let me know whether you‘ll join in for this one. No pressure, just you guys are regulars. (Ok, and i‘ll miss you if you don‘t join. ☺️) 3mo

TheBookHippie Oh yes!!!!! I have a pretty shiny new copy and I watched this on Apple TV 🫣🫠 recently … so I needed a new copy to read it. 3mo

Graywacke @TheBookHippie yay. I tried the TV series. Got about two episodes in. The music was just so jarring for the period piece. 3mo

jewright I‘m in, please! 3mo

Graywacke @jewright oh good. Happy to see that 3mo

jewright @Graywacke I‘ve so enjoyed reading Wharton in this group. 3mo

Graywacke @jewright ❤️ me too! 3mo

34 likes24 comments

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Romances to Read After the Buccaneers https://youtu.be/TQumYIVlNpk

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

How did the Buccaneers show stack up against the book? https://youtu.be/kQ60SGelmWE

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

I'm going live to chat the Buccaneers (the book) on Youtube in approximately 30 minutes at 1 p.m. CST and would love to see anyone there (live or in the replay). Sorry for the short notice! I definitely forgot to post about it here ahead of time. https://www.youtube.com/live/-qrY5xc-ELc?si=VLkjWVC1YPHvUc2R

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

I'm doing a readalong of the Buccaneers that will culminate in a Youtube Live next weekend. Last minute--but if you want to join or lurk I'd be happy to have you!

https://app.thestorygraph.com/readalongs/c2502714-de51-4677-bb8d-9deb1868a157

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

https://youtu.be/1wDmW4JujnY?si=wx33EQlkxcnfxDZk

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

I like both of the novels mentioned!
Who has read this?
Anyone watch the 1995 mini series?
A new adaptation will be coming out soon in November 2023 on Apple TV+.

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

#Whartonbuddyreads @Graywacke

Just spotted this first look at Appletv+ new series starting in November. I'll be watching 👀

https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/the-buccaneers/

mcctrish 🙋🏻‍♀️ 2y

Graywacke How interesting! I think this was Wharton‘s last novel. Thanks for highlighting. 2y

Graywacke @Lcsmcat 2y

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Lcsmcat Cool! This was unfinished at her death. I wonder how they finish it? 2y

AllDebooks @Lcsmcat it was. I wondered that too 2y

AllDebooks @Graywacke I thought it may be of interest. I love a good period drama, so looking forward to it 2y

32 likes6 comments

review

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Pick

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Lots of 1870‘s upper class drama and intrigue when young, beautiful, American girls invade the high society of an unsuspecting England. Wharton passed away before her novel was completed but Mainwaring did a good job finishing with Wharton‘s notes.

This should appeal to fans of ‘Pride & Prejudice‘ or ‘Downton Abbey‘.

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Riveted_Reader_Melissa

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Great advice from their governess!

tpixie 💕💕💕 5y

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Riveted_Reader_Melissa

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

“Sometimes life seems like a match between oneself and one‘s gaolers. The gaolers, of course, are one‘s mistakes; and the question is, who‘ll hold out longest?”

review

Riveted_Reader_Melissa

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Pick

pick

Marion Mainwaring did an admirable job completing this unfinished Wharton tale, although I‘ll always wonder how Wharton might have twisted it still more herself. It‘s a tale of young beauties, ostracized by New York high society as “new money”, visiting London and taking the town by storm, and all the complications that arrive thereafter. The old prejudices, the allure of the new & fresh, and the clash of cultures all mix for a splendid novel.

Riveted_Reader_Melissa * I finally finished my last Wharton from last month‘s #AuthorAMonth, to late to count for that, but totally worth the time. 😉 5y

67 likes1 comment

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Hiding out in the 7 year olds room to finish (ha! Make progress maybe) on this book from LAST Christmas so I can start on my TBR pile from THIS Christmas 🎄 #bookwormproblems #holidayedition

BookishTrish #RussellBooks 7y

81 likes2 stack adds1 comment

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Happy Sunday, #Littens #newdaynewbook

claffy_reads Gorgeous 😍 7y

BookMaven407 Wow! 💕 7y

Cinfhen Great photo 7y

BookishTrish #RussellBooks 7y

93 likes4 comments

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Which one should I read next? #TBR

Julsmarshall I loved Uprooted! 7y

BarbaraJean Uprooted would be my pick! 7y

TheLibrarian Uprooted!!! 7y

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brilliantglow Uprooted! So amazing! 7y

brilliantglow Hahaha I just realized ever other comment was also a vote for Uprooted 7y

brilliantglow *every 7y

Tamra Can never go wrong with Wharton! 7y

Notafraidofwords Uprooted !!! 7y

JanJan Uprooted is so good! 7y

[DELETED] 57804897 Uprooted was sweet but Edith Wharton is a classic!! 7y

DaveNeufeld Player Piano 7y

ferskner I really liked The Buccaneers (and the gorgeous adaptation). 7y

BookishTrish So Uprooted then Wharton is the plan @Julsmarshall @BarbaraJean @TheLibrarian @brilliantglow @Tamra @Notafraidofwords @JanJan @Ostaff1 @DaveNeufeld @ferskner 7y

[DELETED] 57804897 👍🏻 7y

BookishTrish #RussellBooks 7y

80 likes1 stack add15 comments

review

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Pick

pick

I've wanted to read this ever since watching the miniseries in high school, so I may have been predisposed to like this book, but I loved it! This gave me the same sort of, anglophile warmth as I Capture the Castle, but with an added dose of Wharton tragedy. It's a shame Wharton died before the novel could be completed but even the sort of 2/3 she finished stand on their own.

SaraFair Sounds awesome! 8y

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Not just one #richgirl, this novel features five, all being traded by their families for titles. #melodicmay @jenniferw88

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

Day 5 #DressesOnCovers #ReadJanuary This was an interesting read - most of it written by Wharton but unfinished at her death. This edition was finished by someone else, based on the screenplay of the BBC miniseries. The endings of both have been heavily criticized but oh, those dresses! The book is posed on one of my own "fancy" dresses.

tagged users icon

RealLifeReading

Reviewsbylola I read this years ago but barely remember it. 😢 8y

Tanner @Reviewsbylola Don't feel bad - I have a lot of books on my shelves that I know I read but I wouldn't be able to tell you what they're about! 8y

28 likes1 stack add2 comments

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

One letter, four choices. Which should I read? The fourth is Mad Black Wheel.

[tagged book]

Black Mad Wheel

8y

BookishMarginalia I'm no help -- I say just go for whatever grabs you at the moment! 8y

quirkyreader I say go with the Edith Wharton. 8y

BookishTrish @quirkyreader That's definitely how I'm leaning 8y

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Bookreasons.com

The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

I have definitely dated this guy.

Sydsavvy Lol!!! 9y

6 likes2 stack adds1 comment

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The Buccaneers: A Novel | Edith Wharton

"...because London's London, and London life the most exciting and interesting in the world, and once you've got the soot and the fog in your veins you simply can't live without them; and all the poor hangers-on and left-overs know it as well as we do."

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