Showing results by author "Edith Wharton" in All Categories

Odo Valsecca, a young and ambitious nobleman, inherits a dukedom at a tender age and must swiftly navigate the treacherous waters of royal politics. As he engages with rival nobles, the church, and the burgeoning free-thinking movement, Odo faces the daunting challenge of winning the hearts of his subjects—the peasants. Will he rise to power in time, or will the pressures of the Italian court in the seventeenth century prove too much for him? Published in 1902, The Valley of Decision marks Edith Whartons debut full-length novel, skillfully summarized by Mary Kay.

George Darrow, Anna Leath’s first love, is on his way from London to propose to her. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself entangled in an affair with Sophy Viner, the young and impressionable governess of Anna’s daughter. As Darrow navigates the complexities of his relationships, the stability of Anna’s family hangs in the balance, and his aspirations for success are put to the test. In this captivating novel, Edith Wharton explores the timeless love triangle with her signature wit and elegance, creating a cast of unforgettable characters and vivid scenes. ...

Published in 1907, this provocative novel delves into the lives of a wealthy mill owner, her socially progressive husband, and their circle of friends. It sparked controversy with its candid exploration of themes such as drug abuse, mercy killing, divorce, and second marriages, making it a compelling read for those interested in societal issues of the time. (Summary by Margaret)

In Long Run, a successful bachelor businessman reflects on the romantic opportunity he lost with a captivating married woman who had enchanted both him and his college buddy in their youth. Join Matt Pierard as he explores the complexities of love, regret, and the choices that shape our lives.

Glimpses of the Moon (1922) follows the lives of Nick and Susy Lansing, a couple immersed in the lavish but hollow world of European high society, living off the generosity of their affluent friends. Their marriage, born out of convenience, allows for an open relationship, but neither is prepared for the depth of emotions that begin to surface, challenging their carefree existence. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

In her groundbreaking 1920 novel, Edith Wharton tells the story of Newland Archer, a privileged gentleman navigating the intricate web of Old New York society. Engaged to the lovely May Welland, Newlands life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes captivated by Mays enigmatic cousin, Ellen Olenska. Recently returned from Europe after a scandalous separation, Ellen challenges the conventions of their world and stirs Newland’s deepest desires. Join us for this compelling journey through love, duty, and societal expectations, narrated by Elizabeth Klett, with proof listening by Stav Nisser & ...

In the heart of France, Kate Cephane lives in self-imposed exile, having left her three-year-old daughter, Anne, behind in the wake of a tumultuous marriage and a fleeting affair. When Anne reaches out, asking her mother to return for her engagement, Kate must navigate the treacherous waters of New Yorks elite society, risking scandal and scorn to mend their fractured relationship. However, upon discovering the identity of Annes fiancé, Kate is thrust into a heartbreaking dilemma how to thwart the impending marriage without exposing her own troubled past. With everything at stake, she faces ...

In Edith Whartons captivating 1907 novella, we delve into the lives of Americans navigating love and longing in Paris. John Durham, a hopeful New Yorker, travels to the City of Light with the intention of rekindling his romance with Fanny Frisbee, now the esteemed Marquis de Malrive. Although Fanny yearns to escape her troubled marriage and return to America with John, the obstacles posed by her Catholic husband loom large. When John encounters the intriguing Madame de Treymes, Fannys sister-in-law, he sees a glimmer of hope that she might assist them in their pursuit of happiness. (...

Discover the powerful yet often overlooked novel Son At The Front by Edith Wharton, the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature. Known for her keen social observations and deep compassion, Wharton takes us into the heart of World War I through the eyes of two divorced parents. John and Julia are grappling with the reality of their son, George, who defies their wishes to serve his country. Julia, horrified by his enlistment, clashes with Johns secret pride alongside Georges stepfather. As their son faces the uncertainties of war, will he return home alive? Join us as we explore the...

In the wake of World War I, American novelist Edith Wharton found herself in Paris, compelled to bear witness to the realities of war. With permission to traverse the front lines, she journeyed through devastated villages, bustling hospitals, and the trenches themselves. Fighting France chronicles her poignant travels between 1914 and 1915, capturing not only the harrowing experiences of the time but also the unwavering spirit of the French people. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Dive into the poignant world of American author Edith Wharton, renowned for her incisive novels of manners set against the backdrop of old New York. Yet, her heart was deeply entwined with France, where she resided in Paris during World War I and passionately engaged in refugee efforts. Her 1918 novella, The Marne, vividly captures the harrowing events of the war through the eyes of 15-year-old Troy Belknap, an American boy yearning to enlist and defend the country he holds dear. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Set against the stark, icy backdrop of a New England winter, Ethan Frome is a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and the suffocating grip of societal expectations. Ethan Frome, a quiet and introspective man, finds himself trapped in a loveless marriage to the bitter and ailing Zeena. When Zeena's cousin, the vibrant and beautiful Mattie Silver, comes to stay with them, Ethan's life is upended as an intense emotional bond grows between him and Mattie.

TBC

The novel is about New York City society in its best years through the life of a beautiful girl who is an outside insider with a foot in and several feet outside the inner circle.

Un empleado de una compañía eléctrica ha sido enviado a estudiar la zona de un pequeño pueblo de Massachussets. Allí será cobijado, en una noche de tormenta, por Ethan Frome, quien debe soportar diariamente la compañía de su esposa Zeena, enfermiza y aprensiva, pendiente nada más que de los más ligeros síntomas que puedan estropear su quebradiza salud. A su lado, Mattie, muchacha joven, trabajadora y delicada, quien irá despertando poco a poco en Ethan un amor adormecido por tanto desdén y enfermedad.

Un empleado de una compañía eléctrica ha sido enviado a estudiar la zona de un pequeño pueblo de Massachussets. Allí será cobijado, en una noche de tormenta, por Ethan Frome, quien debe soportar diariamente la compañía de su esposa Zeena, enfermiza y aprensiva, pendiente nada más que de los más ligeros síntomas que puedan estropear su quebradiza salud. A su lado, Mattie, muchacha joven, trabajadora y delicada, quien irá despertando poco a poco en Ethan un amor adormecido por tanto desdén y enfermedad.

La trama se centra en Jane, una mujer que se encuentra en una situación socialmente desafiante. En la historia, Jane es encargada con una misión que no solo pone a prueba su ingenio e inteligencia, sino que también la enfrenta a las normas y expectativas sociales de su tiempo. A través de su viaje, Jane se encuentra navegando entre las complicadas estructuras de la clase y el género, desafiando de manera sutil las convenciones de su entorno.

Ethan Frome (1911), relata la vida de un hombre rodeado de condiciones adversas que demuestran su amargo destino. Él se convierte en un fantasma viviente que deambula su pena por el pueblo de Starkfield. Ethan se encuentra atrapado en un matrimonio sin amor y resignado a su aciaga existencia, hasta la llegada de la prima de su esposa, Mattie Silver, a quien comienza a amar en silencio. En 1993 se realizó una adaptación cinematográfica con el mismo título, protagonizada por el actor Liam Neeson.

Este relato explora las complejidades del mundo del arte y la autopercepción del talento. La historia sigue a Jack Gisburn, un pintor reconocido, cuya carrera toma un giro inesperado cuando decide abandonar la pintura en la cima de su éxito y casarse con una viuda rica. La narrativa se desarrolla a través de los ojos del narrador, un conocido de Gisburn, quien reflexiona sobre la decisión de Jack de abandonar su arte. El narrador visita a Gisburn y su esposa en la Riviera, buscando entender la razón detrás de esta elección.

El relato se centra en un triángulo amoroso situado en el contexto de la alta sociedad. La trama gira en torno a dos hombres, amigos cercanos, que se encuentran enamorados de la misma mujer. Esta situación pone a prueba no solo sus sentimientos románticos sino también su amistad y lealtad. La mujer en cuestión es retratada como una figura encantadora y codiciada, cuya elección entre estos dos hombres es un punto central de la historia.