Becky Sharp could take a lesson
Thackeray's infamous heroine is a peach compared to Undine Spragg (love how the name fits her so well). At least some of the seeds of Becky's nastiness could be found in her sad early years. Not so with Undine -- she's been indulged from birth by parents who haven't a clue what a monster they've nurtured. Undine is almost sociopathic in her disregard for everyone around her. But those around her aren't angels, either. All the supporting characters are nuanced and real, with both flaws and virtues. But the only blameless character is Undine's poor, neglected son. This book is a window into a world that no longer exists, and to some degree, good riddance! Yet it's a fascinating education. The only way this story could have been better is if Undine could have been shown "getting hers" in the end. The reader is excellent as well.