Ethan Frome

by

Paperback, 142 pages

English language

Published Nov. 6, 2015 by Collins Classics.

ISBN:
978-0-00-811054-3
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OCLC Number:
1023192170

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5 stars (1 review)

Ethan Frome toils at his New Enoland farm while struggling to maintain a bearable existence with his sickly and judgemental wife, Zeena. He finds himself increasingly drawn to Mattie, Zeena's cousin, who helps around the house. Although she represents the possibility of happiness, they are trapped by their hopeless situation. And when Zeena becomes suspicious and arranges for Mattie to be sent away, events take a tragic turn.

This heart-breaking portrait, from the author of The House of Mirth, is an intimate look at choices not made and lives not yet lived. First published in 1911 and adapted for film, Ethan Frome remains for many the most subtle and moving of Wharton's works. --back cover

51 editions

reviewed Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

Review of 'Ethan Frome' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

I expected to like this book because I loved the 1993 film with Liam Neeson and Patricia Arquette. The story a study of marriage and human nature with both great joy and great sadness.

Wharton is known for her commentaries on society. This book is a good starting place if you're looking to explore her writing, because it's not very long. She is fairly wordy with descriptions of feelings/emotions, so it's worth spending some time and not rushing through it, so you get to savor her beautiful prose. There are also some audiobook versions which are around 4 hours for the unabridged book.

Subjects

  • American literature