Envy (Luxe, #3) Summary & Key Insights

Anna Godbersen's "Envy," the third installment in the Luxe series, continues the intertwined lives of New York City's elite during the Gilded Age, focusing primarily on the complicated relationships and simmering resentments among the wealthy Van Rhijn and Moreland families. The central plot revolves around the scandalous actions and consequences stemming from the relentless envy felt by various characters.

The story primarily follows Elizabeth "Beth" Van Rhijn, whose engagement to the charming but emotionally unavailable Charles "Digby" Moreland is strained by secrets and unspoken desires. Beth’s unwavering loyalty to her family, particularly her younger sister, Diana, often clashes with her own yearning for personal fulfillment and a genuine connection with Digby. Her vulnerability makes her a target for those fueled by envy, particularly within the competitive social circles she navigates.

Meanwhile, Diana Van Rhijn's burgeoning romance with the enigmatic and brooding Arthur Wellesley confronts the societal constraints imposed upon young women of their standing. Their clandestine meetings and unspoken passion fuel the gossip mill, adding to the overall sense of intrigue and danger. Diana’s actions, driven by a youthful rebellion against societal expectations, become a catalyst for further complications and conflict.

The novel deeply explores the corrosive nature of envy. Many characters, driven by their desires and insecurities, engage in actions motivated by jealousy and resentment. This is exemplified by the manipulative actions of certain characters striving for social advancement and acceptance within the exclusive circles of New York's high society. The pursuit of wealth, status, and love often fuels their envious acts, leading to betrayal, heartbreak, and unforeseen consequences.

The rivalry between the Van Rhijn and Moreland families intensifies, fueled by old grudges and the competitive nature of their social standing. Family secrets, long hidden beneath a veneer of propriety, are gradually revealed, exposing deep-seated resentments and power struggles. This reveals the fragility of appearances and the hidden tensions that simmer beneath the surface of gilded elegance.

Ultimately, "Envy" examines the destructive power of unchecked ambition and the consequences of letting envy dictate one's actions. The characters grapple with their own flaws and the complexities of their relationships, facing difficult choices that ultimately shape their destinies. The overarching theme focuses on the damaging effects of social pressure and the struggle to reconcile personal desires with societal expectations within a rigidly hierarchical society. The novel concludes with unresolved conflicts and lingering questions, setting the stage for the next installment in the series.