2.33k reviews for:

Ethan Frome

Edith Wharton

3.31 AVERAGE


Things I remember:
Mattie Silver. Red Scarf.
challenging dark sad
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Well, that was bleak. This novel is slight so I'm not surprised it's the Wharton usually taught in high school but it also may have the effect of scaring high schoolers away from Wharton. Don't get me wrong, this book was good. Wharton is amazing. But, it is the tale of a man whose life is basically mired in misery due to hasty choices, crippling poverty, and impossible passions.
dark emotional sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
dark emotional sad tense

Edith Wharton really said I’m gonna write books in which nobody is gonna be happy.

That being said she’s such a damned good writer. I’m glad I never had to read this in high school because I don’t feel like I could’ve appreciated it as much. Wharton just had a wonderful way with words that gives depth and beauty to her works while still making them approachable and easy to read.

Love you girl!!

I love this book.
dark emotional informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional sad medium-paced