Showing results by author "Edith Wharton" in All Categories

Dive into Greater Inclination, the captivating debut collection of short stories by Edith Wharton, published in 1899. This remarkable anthology explores timeless themes such as marriage, the complexities of male/female relationships, the intricacies of New York society, and the essence of artistic expression. Notably, one of the stories, The Twilight of the God, is presented in the form of a short play, featuring the compelling voices of mb as Warland and Bruce Pirie as Oberville. Experience the early brilliance of a literary icon with this engaging collection, narrated by Elizabeth Klett.

Dive into Whartons timeless tale of an aging spinster socialite, navigating the treacherous waters of love and wealth in Victorian society. With her heart torn between financial security and true passion, her journey reveals the complexities of ambition, societal expectations, and personal sacrifice. (Summary by BellonaTimes)

Dive into The House of Mirth (1905), a captivating novel by Edith Wharton that follows the life of Lily Bart, a New York socialite determined to find a husband and secure her place among the elite. This groundbreaking work is one of the earliest novels of manners in American literature, boldly addressing the limited social mobility afforded to women in the rigid confines of American Victorian society. (Summary from Wikipedia).

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 The Edith Wharton Library, we open the drawing-room doors of another age and read the novels, tales, and travels in which society’s bright surfaces so often betray a darker design. Here are marriages arranged like treaties, fortunes that tremble at a whisper, and hearts that learn - too late - the cost of propriety.Each episode offers a full-length chapter reading, patiently and plainly delivered, for listeners who prefer their drama civilized, their comedy edged, and their ghosts the sort that appear most often in daylight.

Odo Valsecca, a young and ambitious nobleman, inherits a dukedom at a tender age and must swiftly navigate the treacherous waters of royal politics. As he engages with rival nobles, the church, and the burgeoning free-thinking movement, Odo faces the daunting challenge of winning the hearts of his subjects—the peasants. Will he rise to power in time, or will the pressures of the Italian court in the seventeenth century prove too much for him? Published in 1902, The Valley of Decision marks Edith Whartons debut full-length novel, skillfully summarized by Mary Kay.

In the gripping tale of Touchstone, Stephen Glennard finds himself at a crossroads as his career crumbles, leaving him desperate for money to marry his beautiful fiancée. When he stumbles upon a tantalizing advertisement in a London magazine offering a chance at financial gain, he sees a glimmer of hope. Once the object of affection for the renowned but recently deceased author Margaret Aubyn, Glennard holds onto her passionate love letters. In a moment of moral weakness, he decides to erase his name from the letters and sell them, striking it rich while betraying the memory of a woman who ...

George Darrow, Anna Leath’s first love, is on his way from London to propose to her. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself entangled in an affair with Sophy Viner, the young and impressionable governess of Anna’s daughter. As Darrow navigates the complexities of his relationships, the stability of Anna’s family hangs in the balance, and his aspirations for success are put to the test. In this captivating novel, Edith Wharton explores the timeless love triangle with her signature wit and elegance, creating a cast of unforgettable characters and vivid scenes. ...

In Long Run, a successful bachelor businessman reflects on the romantic opportunity he lost with a captivating married woman who had enchanted both him and his college buddy in their youth. Join Matt Pierard as he explores the complexities of love, regret, and the choices that shape our lives.

Glimpses of the Moon (1922) follows the lives of Nick and Susy Lansing, a couple immersed in the lavish but hollow world of European high society, living off the generosity of their affluent friends. Their marriage, born out of convenience, allows for an open relationship, but neither is prepared for the depth of emotions that begin to surface, challenging their carefree existence. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

In her groundbreaking 1920 novel, Edith Wharton tells the story of Newland Archer, a privileged gentleman navigating the intricate web of Old New York society. Engaged to the lovely May Welland, Newlands life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes captivated by Mays enigmatic cousin, Ellen Olenska. Recently returned from Europe after a scandalous separation, Ellen challenges the conventions of their world and stirs Newland’s deepest desires. Join us for this compelling journey through love, duty, and societal expectations, narrated by Elizabeth Klett, with proof listening by Stav Nisser & ...

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...

Un empleado de una compañía eléctrica ha sido enviado a estudiar la zona de un pequeño pueblo de Massachussets. Allí será cobijado, en una noche de tormenta, por Ethan Frome, quien debe soportar diariamente la compañía de su esposa Zeena, enfermiza y aprensiva, pendiente nada más que de los más ligeros síntomas que puedan estropear su quebradiza salud. A su lado, Mattie, muchacha joven, trabajadora y delicada, quien irá despertando poco a poco en Ethan un amor adormecido por tanto desdén y enfermedad.

Un empleado de una compañía eléctrica ha sido enviado a estudiar la zona de un pequeño pueblo de Massachussets. Allí será cobijado, en una noche de tormenta, por Ethan Frome, quien debe soportar diariamente la compañía de su esposa Zeena, enfermiza y aprensiva, pendiente nada más que de los más ligeros síntomas que puedan estropear su quebradiza salud. A su lado, Mattie, muchacha joven, trabajadora y delicada, quien irá despertando poco a poco en Ethan un amor adormecido por tanto desdén y enfermedad.

La trama se centra en Jane, una mujer que se encuentra en una situación socialmente desafiante. En la historia, Jane es encargada con una misión que no solo pone a prueba su ingenio e inteligencia, sino que también la enfrenta a las normas y expectativas sociales de su tiempo. A través de su viaje, Jane se encuentra navegando entre las complicadas estructuras de la clase y el género, desafiando de manera sutil las convenciones de su entorno.

El relato se centra en un triángulo amoroso situado en el contexto de la alta sociedad. La trama gira en torno a dos hombres, amigos cercanos, que se encuentran enamorados de la misma mujer. Esta situación pone a prueba no solo sus sentimientos románticos sino también su amistad y lealtad. La mujer en cuestión es retratada como una figura encantadora y codiciada, cuya elección entre estos dos hombres es un punto central de la historia.

Este relato explora las complejidades del mundo del arte y la autopercepción del talento. La historia sigue a Jack Gisburn, un pintor reconocido, cuya carrera toma un giro inesperado cuando decide abandonar la pintura en la cima de su éxito y casarse con una viuda rica. La narrativa se desarrolla a través de los ojos del narrador, un conocido de Gisburn, quien reflexiona sobre la decisión de Jack de abandonar su arte. El narrador visita a Gisburn y su esposa en la Riviera, buscando entender la razón detrás de esta elección.

Ethan Frome (1911), relata la vida de un hombre rodeado de condiciones adversas que demuestran su amargo destino. Él se convierte en un fantasma viviente que deambula su pena por el pueblo de Starkfield. Ethan se encuentra atrapado en un matrimonio sin amor y resignado a su aciaga existencia, hasta la llegada de la prima de su esposa, Mattie Silver, a quien comienza a amar en silencio. En 1993 se realizó una adaptación cinematográfica con el mismo título, protagonizada por el actor Liam Neeson.