A review by toffishay
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

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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