Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - Ethan Frome

I picked up a copy of this book on a whim at a library book sale.
"Ethan Frome" is a novella about a man named Eathan Frome. He is a poor farmer who is lonely and beaten down by life. His marriage to Zeena has evolved into nothing like what he thought it would be. He never wanted to be a farmer, and him and Zeena always intended to move to a city, but life got in the way. Ethan feels hopeless, until Zeena's cousin, Mattie Silver, comes to stay with them and provides the flame Ethan needs to reignite his love for life.
I did not have any expectations when I started this book, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. This novella may be short, but it packs a mighty punch with its drama. You cannot help but feel sorry for Ethan and pull for him. I really enjoyed reading from his point of view and being in his head as he tried to rationalize cheating on his wife. Although I do not support infidelity, I do think Ethan and Zenna are a poor match and I was really hoping to see more of Ethan with Mattie. Ethan married Zenna out of proximity and convivence, both of which were very common at this time. As a woman in the 2000's I want to see characters who marry for love, which is a big reason I was pulling for Ethan and Mattie so much.
I did not like Zeena as a character or a wife. She was entirely unsupportive and cold-hearted. Her life did not play out like she wanted and she took it out on Ethan, and subsequently Mattie. Ethan too was unhappy, but I felt like we saw more remorse from him.
I highly recommend this book, and I am intrigued to see if Edith Wharton has written anything else.

Content Warnings

changelingreader_adrian's review against another edition

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emotional funny sad fast-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

4.25

Content Warnings

c_serpent's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was very well written, and was an interesting window into the human psyche, since Ethan Frome was a neurotic disaster. I really loved Edith Wharton's literary voice. It enchanted and held me.

That being said, I hated Ethan Frome, and I kind of also hated his story, and I remove a star for this. I do not remove two stars only because the ending of this book was unexpected, and that was good. Four stars have been permitted to remain because I wanted to live in the literary voice.

Total score: 4/5

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toffishay's review against another edition

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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.

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sapphicsoilscientist's review against another edition

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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).

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lissybeth91's review against another edition

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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.

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childoflight's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No

1.75

Content Warnings

lauramcc7's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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