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3.31 AVERAGE
3.31 AVERAGE
My least favorite of what I've read from Wharton, but it seems like it's laying the groundwork for the yearning theme that she nails in The Age of Innocence. Anything by Edith Wharton is a cut above and leaves an impression.
However, this reminds me a lot of Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy (which is a five star book in my opinion). So having read that first, this comes across to me as just "not as good" as Hardy's work with a similar premise.
This is a novella though and is a tight story, which I appreciate.
I just was more affected by the fleshed out themes in Hardy's work, which are nodded to/suggested in this one.
However, this reminds me a lot of Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy (which is a five star book in my opinion). So having read that first, this comes across to me as just "not as good" as Hardy's work with a similar premise.
This is a novella though and is a tight story, which I appreciate.
I just was more affected by the fleshed out themes in Hardy's work, which are nodded to/suggested in this one.
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
beautifully written
It's sad how sometimes one can be trapped amidst a thousand afflictions and never escape, despite their efforts. But was trying to escape even necessary?
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The plot felt like it spanned few days, but maybe it's because of the whole narration being a flashback. Anyways, the storyline was rather tense and it was easy to read through. Would I recommend it? IDK.
-------------------------------------------
The plot felt like it spanned few days, but maybe it's because of the whole narration being a flashback. Anyways, the storyline was rather tense and it was easy to read through. Would I recommend it? IDK.
I really liked this book the first time I read it years ago, and it resonated just as powerfully the second time. Throughout the entire book, I was overwhelmed by the sadness and desperation suffered by Ethan Frome. Ethan is a very likable character, and I hoped greatly for things to turn out well for him, but that is not the case. I was left with a lingering sense of sadness for all characters involved. Clearly, not every story has a happy ending.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Bit of a dark horse, this one. A young woman comes to town, staying with Ethan and his wife. As each get to know one another, going on nightly outings, we see a pretty effective rumination on poverty and social conventions that force each into staying deeply unhappy, which permeates the book with a melancholic narrative voice. It feels like they are merely one step away from seizing the reigns, yet can’t bring themselves to actually do so.
The best thing about the book is how well drawn the characters are, though. None of them are irreproachable. To a degree, they’re unlikable, but in an understandable way. It’s a heartbreaking story that, though short, packs a huge punch—the ending making a story that would have otherwise be a more complex tale on heavily retrodden ground, much more effective and interesting.
The audio book with CM Chester is really well done. A female narrator feels much more suited to it than when I sampled the other Scott Brock recording (good as he is).
The best thing about the book is how well drawn the characters are, though. None of them are irreproachable. To a degree, they’re unlikable, but in an understandable way. It’s a heartbreaking story that, though short, packs a huge punch—the ending making a story that would have otherwise be a more complex tale on heavily retrodden ground, much more effective and interesting.
The audio book with CM Chester is really well done. A female narrator feels much more suited to it than when I sampled the other Scott Brock recording (good as he is).
I am catching up on my classics these days, and I wonder why I never was exposed to Edith Wharton during my school days. Once again she introduces a story line that compels the reader to keep going - even when the going gets tough. Ethan Frome is trapped in a life of family responsibility. It started when he had to give up his personal dreams in order to care for his parents. But, this led to a subsequent caretaker situation with his wife. There is no bright light in Ethan's life until his wife's young female relative comes to care for her, and Ethan finds a kindred spirit. Loneliness, shattered dreams, character strength, and jealousy are part of this tragic plot.