Showing results by author "Edith Wharton" in All Categories

In the heart of France, Kate Cephane lives in self-imposed exile, having left her three-year-old daughter, Anne, behind in the wake of a tumultuous marriage and a fleeting affair. When Anne reaches out, asking her mother to return for her engagement, Kate must navigate the treacherous waters of New Yorks elite society, risking scandal and scorn to mend their fractured relationship. However, upon discovering the identity of Annes fiancé, Kate is thrust into a heartbreaking dilemma how to thwart the impending marriage without exposing her own troubled past. With everything at stake, she faces ...

In Edith Whartons captivating 1907 novella, we delve into the lives of Americans navigating love and longing in Paris. John Durham, a hopeful New Yorker, travels to the City of Light with the intention of rekindling his romance with Fanny Frisbee, now the esteemed Marquis de Malrive. Although Fanny yearns to escape her troubled marriage and return to America with John, the obstacles posed by her Catholic husband loom large. When John encounters the intriguing Madame de Treymes, Fannys sister-in-law, he sees a glimmer of hope that she might assist them in their pursuit of happiness. (...

Discover the powerful yet often overlooked novel Son At The Front by Edith Wharton, the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature. Known for her keen social observations and deep compassion, Wharton takes us into the heart of World War I through the eyes of two divorced parents. John and Julia are grappling with the reality of their son, George, who defies their wishes to serve his country. Julia, horrified by his enlistment, clashes with Johns secret pride alongside Georges stepfather. As their son faces the uncertainties of war, will he return home alive? Join us as we explore the...

Dive into the poignant world of American author Edith Wharton, renowned for her incisive novels of manners set against the backdrop of old New York. Yet, her heart was deeply entwined with France, where she resided in Paris during World War I and passionately engaged in refugee efforts. Her 1918 novella, The Marne, vividly captures the harrowing events of the war through the eyes of 15-year-old Troy Belknap, an American boy yearning to enlist and defend the country he holds dear. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

The Age of Innocence follows an upper-class couple on the brink of marriage, whose happiness is jeopardized by the arrival of a woman entangled in scandal. Edith Whartons novel deftly explores the morals and expectations of 1870s New York society, providing a nuanced portrayal that avoids outright condemnation of its social structures. Wharton regarded this work as an apology for her earlier, more critical novel, The House of Mirth. Rich in detail, she illuminates the charms and customs of the upper class, earning her the first Pulitzer Prize awarded to a woman. At age 58, Wharton had lived ...

In the wake of World War I, American novelist Edith Wharton found herself in Paris, compelled to bear witness to the realities of war. With permission to traverse the front lines, she journeyed through devastated villages, bustling hospitals, and the trenches themselves. Fighting France chronicles her poignant travels between 1914 and 1915, capturing not only the harrowing experiences of the time but also the unwavering spirit of the French people. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

La novela tiene lugar en el pequeño círculo aristocrático de Nueva York en la década de 1870, que puede mostrar una línea de antepasados que se remonta a los primeros pobladores. Sólo ellos determinan la vida social de la clase alta. Las reglas tradicionales dictan, sobre todo, a las jóvenes cómo deben comportarse, qué es apropiado y qué no. Son presentados a la sociedad a una edad temprana, se comprometen y se casan como corresponde, sin conocerse realmente.

Martin Boyne, a midlife bachelor seeking a quiet reunion with a lost love, finds his world upended when he encounters the seven Wheater children. Products of their wealthy parents' endless cycle of divorce and remarriage, the siblings are led by the fiercely protective fifteen-year-old Judith. Bound by a pact never to be separated, the children cling to one another as the only stable force in a world of fleeting whims and neglected duties.

In Edith Whartons poignant early novella, we follow the journey of Kate Orme, who starts off blissfully in love with her fiancé, only to uncover a dark and shocking secret that will change everything. Join Elizabeth Klett as she brings this gripping tale to life.This show includes AI-generated content.

In Edith Whartons captivating novel, Summer, we follow the journey of Charity Royall as she navigates her sexual awakening against the backdrop of New England. This compelling tale echoes themes from Whartons more famous work, Ethan Frome, yet stands out in its own right. Initially met with lukewarm responses upon its release, Summer has experienced a remarkable revival in critical acclaim since the 1960s, showcasing Whartons keen insights into human desire and societal constraints.

In Whartons evocative 1917 novella Summer, we are transported to the quaint yet stifling town of North Dormer, where Charity Royall dreams of breaking free from her constrained life and the unwelcome advances of her guardian, Mr. Royall. When the charismatic city boy, Lucius Harney, arrives to explore the regions architecture, he brings with him the promise of hope and new beginnings. But will his presence be Charitys ticket to salvation, or will it lead her down a path of ruin? (Introduction by Elizabeth Klett)

In Sanctuary, Kate Orme grapples with the shocking revelation of her fiancés involvement in a devastating tragedy and societys disturbing tendency to turn a blind eye to such transgressions. Despite her misgivings, she marries him, only to find herself years later confronting a hauntingly similar moral dilemma through her son. As he faces his own crisis, the echoes of his fathers moral failings resurface, challenging their familys legacy. (Introduction by Christine Dufour)

Set against the backdrop of 1870s New York, Bunner Sisters delves into the lives of Ann Eliza and Evelina Bunner, two sisters navigating the challenges of poverty. Running a modest shop in a declining neighborhood, their once-happy existence is anchored by a close-knit community of supportive women. However, as their sheltered world begins to crumble, the sisters are forced to confront the harsh realities that lie beyond their small, orderly haven. Join us as we explore the poignant tale of loss and resilience in the face of change.

Dive into the captivating world of Edith Wharton, the renowned American author of The House of Mirth, with this collection of seven intriguing short stories. The titular tale, The Hermit and the Wild Woman, offers a departure from Whartons typical themes, exploring the life of a reclusive hermit who, haunted by childhood trauma, seeks solitude. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a former nun, driven from her cloister by her sinful longing for the simple pleasure of bathing. The remaining six stories transport you into the opulent yet complex realm of high society, where ...

Step into the world of The House of Mirth, where we follow Lily Bart, a woman caught in the crossfire between her yearning for a life of luxury and her quest for a genuine, loving relationship. As she unwittingly sabotages her chances for a prosperous marriage, Lily finds herself isolated from her social circle, ultimately leading to a tragic fate marked by poverty and loneliness. - Summary by Wikipedia

Dive into Edith Whartons captivating second collection of short stories, published in 1901. This anthology features seven engaging tales, including Copy A Dialogue, which unfolds as a short play. Enjoy the stellar performances of Arielle Lipshaw as Hilda and Mark F. Smith as Ventnor, brought to life by the talented Elizabeth Klett.

Ethan Frome, a poignant novel published in 1911 by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton, transports readers to the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts. Through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, we delve into the life of Ethan Frome, a man caught between his dreams and harsh realities, leading to an unexpected and ironic twist of fate. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Published in 1907, this provocative novel delves into the lives of a wealthy mill owner, her socially progressive husband, and their circle of friends. It sparked controversy with its candid exploration of themes such as drug abuse, mercy killing, divorce, and second marriages, making it a compelling read for those interested in societal issues of the time. (Summary by Margaret)

In this captivating collection of ten stories, first published in 1904, Edith Wharton expertly unravels the intricate customs, quirks, and challenges of courtship and marriage among the elite of New York society at the dawn of the twentieth century. While two tales transport us to Italy, the themes of fidelity and the emotional complexities faced by both protagonists and outsiders resonate universally. Whartons signature blend of gentle and sharp irony invites readers to explore the depths of human behavior and relationships. (Summary by Nicholas Clifford)

Edith Wharton, a masterful chronicler of late 19th Century New York Society, invites readers into the tumultuous life of Undine Sprague in this captivating novel. A beautiful and ambitious socialite from Apex City, Undine navigates the complexities of love, marriage, and ambition as she climbs the social ladder from New York to France, leaving a trail of broken hearts and shattered lives in her quest for happiness. Join us as we explore Whartons incisive commentary on the pursuit of status and the human condition. (Summary by Karen Merline)