Showing results by author "Edith Wharton" in All Categories

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)

Dive into Greater Inclination, the captivating debut collection of short stories by Edith Wharton, published in 1899. This remarkable anthology explores timeless themes such as marriage, the complexities of male/female relationships, the intricacies of New York society, and the essence of artistic expression. Notably, one of the stories, The Twilight of the God, is presented in the form of a short play, featuring the compelling voices of mb as Warland and Bruce Pirie as Oberville. Experience the early brilliance of a literary icon with this engaging collection, narrated by Elizabeth Klett.

Dive into Edith Whartons captivating second collection of short stories, published in 1901. This anthology features seven engaging tales, including Copy A Dialogue, which unfolds as a short play. Enjoy the stellar performances of Arielle Lipshaw as Hilda and Mark F. Smith as Ventnor, brought to life by the talented Elizabeth Klett.

In this captivating collection of ten stories, first published in 1904, Edith Wharton expertly unravels the intricate customs, quirks, and challenges of courtship and marriage among the elite of New York society at the dawn of the twentieth century. While two tales transport us to Italy, the themes of fidelity and the emotional complexities faced by both protagonists and outsiders resonate universally. Whartons signature blend of gentle and sharp irony invites readers to explore the depths of human behavior and relationships. (Summary by Nicholas Clifford)

Dive into Whartons timeless tale of an aging spinster socialite, navigating the treacherous waters of love and wealth in Victorian society. With her heart torn between financial security and true passion, her journey reveals the complexities of ambition, societal expectations, and personal sacrifice. (Summary by BellonaTimes)

In The Edith Wharton Library, we open the drawing-room doors of another age and read the novels, tales, and travels in which society’s bright surfaces so often betray a darker design. Here are marriages arranged like treaties, fortunes that tremble at a whisper, and hearts that learn - too late - the cost of propriety.Each episode offers a full-length chapter reading, patiently and plainly delivered, for listeners who prefer their drama civilized, their comedy edged, and their ghosts the sort that appear most often in daylight.

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.

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. ...

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 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. (...

Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author’s brain, their soul and heart. They can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere. A decade of monumental change and slaughter. Many of society’s telling questions are cast aside in times of that speak of greater needs, greater priorities. For these talented authors their ideas and words keep these magnificent stories at the forefront of our literary lives.

The Age of Innocence follows an upper-class couple on the brink of marriage, whose happiness is jeopardized by the arrival of a woman entangled in scandal. Edith Whartons novel deftly explores the morals and expectations of 1870s New York society, providing a nuanced portrayal that avoids outright condemnation of its social structures. Wharton regarded this work as an apology for her earlier, more critical novel, The House of Mirth. Rich in detail, she illuminates the charms and customs of the upper class, earning her the first Pulitzer Prize awarded to a woman. At age 58, Wharton had lived ...

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)

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)

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.

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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 Twilight Sleep, Wharton masterfully critiques the lives of the wealthy, showcasing her ability to satirize their excesses while revealing a surprising sense of compassion and even a touch of admiration for some of her characters. Each individual, no matter how minor, is brought to life with vivid detail. Yet, beneath the surface of their bustling lives lies a profound emptiness and a pervasive sense of inauthenticity. This novel serves as a brilliant exploration of evasion and the hollowness of high society. - Summary by T. A. Copeland

Step back in time with Old New York (1924), a captivating collection of four novellas by Edith Wharton—False Dawn, The Old Maid, The Spark, and New Years Day. Set against the backdrop of upper-class New York City society, these stories explore the intricate dynamics and social mores of the 1840s through the 1870s, illuminating the lives and struggles of its characters. - Summary from Wikipedia