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3.31 AVERAGE
3.31 AVERAGE
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.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes