Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.31 AVERAGE
3.31 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
sad
medium-paced
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
A short but powerful story. Wharton is a master of soft-footed suspense. Her tales are delicate, and her language is gentile, so it is always a gut-wrenching surprise at the end when a powerful, life-suspending event occurs. I don't read Wharton to feel happy, but I do read her to feel elevated and immersed in my senses as her stories unfold.
This particular story has three strong but broken characters. Told in flashback after learning early that some tragic, body-mangling event has occurred in the past, I was compelled to keep reading because I so wanted these characters to have some moments of wholeness and grace. Those moments exist, but through a glass dimly. I can only hope that some easing of heavy burdens happens for Ethan and his two women in some unwritten future.
This particular story has three strong but broken characters. Told in flashback after learning early that some tragic, body-mangling event has occurred in the past, I was compelled to keep reading because I so wanted these characters to have some moments of wholeness and grace. Those moments exist, but through a glass dimly. I can only hope that some easing of heavy burdens happens for Ethan and his two women in some unwritten future.
While I enjoyed Wharton's writing, I felt this story to be rather sad and odd. I just felt sad the entire time for Ethan and his loveless marriage (though also mad at him for even engaging in it... though I guess that was the times) and then his doomed affair with Maddie Silver. And then with that ending, how despite the exuberance and love and suicide pact (?? kind of balked at that one) and they still end up living loveless and sad lives. An interesting classic for sure. I think I prefer Wharton's NY society tales better!
Came upon a copy of this recently and decided to reread it, having liked it when I read it in high school (40 years ago?). Hard to imagine liking this slow, moody novella as a 16 year old, and I didn't remember much about the story from then, but enjoyed it again. Wharton does an excellent job of making the place and time a central aspect of the book. Likely not for all tastes.
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced