Scan barcode
toffishay's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-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
3.5
It's interesting to read this as a companion piece to Summer by Edith Wharton. They are both short reads that explore the inner lives of people struggling against their economic situations and the expectations of the time. And ultimately, they are both trapped by them. It can be hard to be sympathetic to Ethan who <SPOILER> ultimately is a lonely man in love, or thinking he is in love with the younger cousin of his sick wife. And even though Ethan has given up a lot, he can also be angry and possessive, teetering on danger. But the characters don't have to be sympathetic to be interesting and I was so drawn in to this story, this tragedy. <END SPOILER> Edith Wharton's writing is also gorgeous, which makes for an engaging read no matter what.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Classism, Misogyny, and Sexism
sapphicsoilscientist's review against another edition
slow-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
0.25
I have no pity for the main character at the end of this book. He made stupid choices and got a bad ending, but I wish the middle hadn't taken so long because it was terrible to get through. If you don't have patience for people who cheat on their spouses, this book isn't for you (just as it apparently wasn't for me).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Misogyny, and Injury/Injury detail
lissybeth91's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a great introduction to Edith Wharton's writing. It's short, and could easily be read in one or two sessions. It will definitely make you feel like you are trapped in an endless winter, however, so maybe don't bring it with you for your beach vacation. Read it first, and then go to the beach to make you feel better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Minor: Racial slurs
There is one use of the g-slur to describe a campfire. Unnecessary, but very much of the time. It is not used in a derogatory way, or even to describe a person.marthadude's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent and Incest
More...