Published in the 1840s but set during the Napoleonic Wars, Vanity Fair is a novel without a hero, as Thackeray himself tells us. Instead, it gives us two fascinating women navigating a society obsessed with money and status.

The Story

The plot follows two school friends from their graduation into adulthood. Amelia Sedley is kind, wealthy, and a bit passive, destined for a conventional life. Becky Sharp is her opposite: brilliant, poor, and fiercely ambitious. With no family money to fall back on, Becky decides to conquer high society through sheer cleverness and charm. We watch her schemes unfold as she marries, climbs social ranks, and navigates scandal, all while maintaining a charming smile. Amelia’s journey, in contrast, is one of gentle suffering and loyalty, marked by love and loss. Their stories weave in and out of grand balls, country estates, and the battlefields of Europe, painting a huge picture of an entire social world.

Why You Should Read It

I love this book because it feels incredibly modern. Thackeray isn't just telling a story; he's chatting with you, the reader, pointing out the hypocrisy and humor in every scene. Becky Sharp is one of literature’s greatest creations. Is she a villainous social climber or a pragmatic survivor in a world stacked against women without means? Thackeray lets you decide. The book’s genius is that it doesn’t judge its characters too harshly. It simply shows us the ‘Vanity Fair’—the noisy, crowded marketplace of life where everyone is hustling for approval, security, and a leg up. It’s funny, sharp, and surprisingly compassionate.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves big, juicy classic novels with unforgettable characters. If you enjoyed the scheming of Gone with the Wind or the social satire of Jane Austen but wished it had a bit more bite and narrator’s wink, this is your next read. It’s a long book, but it’s packed with life, gossip, and questions about success that still ring true today. Just be prepared to meet Becky Sharp—you won’t forget her.