The Bookish Ashley

Emily Gilmore, the sophisticated and assertive matriarch of the Gilmore family, is known for her impeccable taste, sharp wit, and love for the finer things in life. Her reading list would reflect her interests in high society, classic literature, historical narratives, and insightful social commentary. Here’s a selection of books that Emily Gilmore would likely enjoy.

1. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

Why Emily Would Read It: Emily would appreciate Austen’s exploration of manners, marriage, and social standing. The book’s witty dialogue and insight into Regency-era society would resonate with her appreciation for tradition and propriety.

Synopsis: This beloved novel follows Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates issues of manners, morality, and marriage in early 19th-century England, ultimately finding love with the enigmatic Mr. Darcy.

2. “Brideshead Revisited” by Evelyn Waugh

Why Emily Would Read It: Emily would be drawn to the themes of nostalgia, aristocracy, and faith in Waugh’s novel. The book’s portrayal of the British upper class and its complex characters would captivate her.

Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Charles Ryder’s relationship with the Flyte family, particularly Sebastian Flyte, and their estate, Brideshead, exploring themes of friendship, love, and religion.

3. “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton

Why Emily Would Read It: Emily would enjoy Wharton’s critique of New York’s high society and its rigid social codes. The book’s exploration of duty versus passion would resonate with her own experiences in maintaining appearances and social standing.

Synopsis: Set in 1870s New York, this novel follows Newland Archer as he navigates the expectations of high society and his feelings for the unconventional Ellen Olenska, leading to a conflict between duty and desire.

4. “A Room with a View” by E.M. Forster

Why Emily Would Read It: Emily would appreciate the themes of social conventions and personal freedom. The novel’s picturesque settings and Forster’s critique of Edwardian society would appeal to her literary tastes.

Synopsis: This novel follows Lucy Honeychurch as she travels from England to Italy, challenging the social expectations of her class and finding love and self-discovery along the way.

5. “Remembrance of Things Past” by Marcel Proust

Why Emily Would Read It: Emily would be fascinated by Proust’s exploration of memory, time, and social dynamics. The novel’s detailed and reflective prose would appeal to her intellectual curiosity.

Synopsis: This monumental work of fiction delves into the narrator’s memories of life, love, and society in late 19th and early 20th-century France, weaving a rich tapestry of personal and social history.

6. “The House of Mirth” by Edith Wharton

Why Emily Would Read It: Emily would relate to the protagonist’s navigation of social expectations and the pitfalls of high society. Wharton’s incisive social commentary and tragic tale would deeply engage her.

Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Lily Bart, a beautiful but impoverished woman navigating the social circles of New York’s elite, facing the consequences of her choices in a society that values wealth and status.

7. “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy

Why Emily Would Read It: Emily would be drawn to Tolstoy’s epic narrative and its exploration of love, infidelity, and societal pressures. The novel’s rich character development and historical context would captivate her.

Synopsis: This classic novel centers on the tragic romance of Anna Karenina and Count Vronsky, set against the backdrop of Russian aristocracy, exploring themes of love, family, and social change.

8. “The Custom of the Country” by Edith Wharton

Why Emily Would Read It: Emily would enjoy the novel’s critique of American and European high society. The ambitious and calculating protagonist, Undine Spragg, would intrigue her as a reflection of social climbing and cultural clashes.

Synopsis: This novel follows the rise of Undine Spragg, a young woman from the Midwest who marries into New York society and then into European nobility, highlighting her relentless pursuit of wealth and status.

Emily Gilmore’s bookshelf would be a testament to her refined taste, love for classic literature, and keen interest in social dynamics. These books, filled with elegant prose, rich historical settings, and insightful social commentary, would provide her with both intellectual stimulation and aesthetic pleasure. From the intricate social tapestries of Edith Wharton to the timeless elegance of Jane Austen, Emily’s reading list is as sophisticated and discerning as she is.