Ethan Frome

Ethan Frome, written by Edith Wharton, is a classic American novel that focuses on the story of a broken "ruin of a man" -- the titular Ethan Frome -- and the series of misfortunes in life and love that contribute to his fate. Set in the rural town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, this novel follows Ethan’s struggles as he attempts to escape his oppressive and loveless marriage to his sickly wife, Zeena. When a young woman, Mattie Silver, arrives to care for Zeena, Ethan finds himself torn between his loyalty to his wife and his growing passionate feelings for Mattie. As Ethan’s life continues to spiral out of control, the novel culminates in a tragic, heartbreaking finale. Ethan Frome is a powerful story that highlights the struggles of a man who is caught between duty and desire. With its powerful themes and unforgettable characters, it is a must-read for any fan of classic literature.

Originally published in 1911, this novella was an instant classic and is considered one of Edith Wharton's most lasting masterpieces. It differs from Wharton's other works, in that it focuses on an "ordinary" man -- not a member of the upper class elite society -- yet the challenges Ethan Frome faces are similar to those faced by all of her other famous protagonists: the conflict between duty and desire.

Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer. She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Literature in 1921 for her novel, The Age of Innocence. Wharton’s works are known for their meticulous attention to detail and her penetrating insight into the lives of the American upper class. Born into a prominent New York family, Wharton was educated at home and in Europe. She began writing in her teens and mostly kept her work to herself until she published her first collection of stories, The Greater Inclination, in 1899. Her first novel, The House of Mirth, was published in 1905 and met with huge success in both the US and abroad. Wharton went on to write over 40 novels and short stories, including Ethan Frome (1911), The Custom of the Country (1913), and Summer (1917). Wharton was a tireless advocate for social reform. She wrote extensively about the plight of women and the working class in America and founded the first school for underprivileged children in New York. Wharton was also a passionate traveler and designer. She wrote travel books about her travels throughout Europe and the Middle East, and was known for her elegant and luxurious interiors. Wharton’s works remain popular to this day and she is widely considered to be one of the greatest American writers of her time. Her works are still widely read, discussed, and studied in academic circles.