Edith Wharton: 14 Great Novels That Capture the Essence of Society and Psyche

Edith Wharton, the Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, short story writer, and designer, left an indelible mark on the literary landscape with her astute observations of society and profound understanding of human nature. Her novels, set primarily in the upper-class circles of New York City and Europe, delved into themes of social conformity, psychological realism, and the search for personal identity.

Wharton's writing is characterized by its keen psychological insights, nuanced characters, and evocative prose. She masterfully dissected the social customs and expectations of her time, exposing the hidden currents of power, desire, and disillusionment that lay beneath the surface of polite society. Through her captivating stories and unforgettable characters, Wharton invites readers to question the norms and conventions that shape our lives.

Edith Wharton: 14 Great Novels

by Edith Wharton

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Here is a list of 14 of Edith Wharton's most captivating novels, each a testament to her literary genius:

1. The House of Mirth (1905)

The House of Mirth follows the tragic tale of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who becomes a victim of society's rigid rules and expectations. As she struggles to maintain her social status and secure a wealthy marriage, Lily's choices lead her down a path of self-destruction.

2. Ethan Frome (1911)

Set in a bleak New England landscape, Ethan Frome is a haunting tale of love, loss, and the crushing weight of societal expectations. The novel centers around Ethan, a lonely and isolated farmer, and his relationship with Mattie, a young woman who comes to live with him and his cold and domineering wife.

3. The Custom of the Country (1913)

The Custom of the Country is a sprawling satire of American materialism and social climbing. The novel follows the rise and fall of Undine Spragg, a beautiful and ambitious woman who uses her charms to marry into wealth and power.

4. Summer (1917)

Summer is a bittersweet love story set in the idyllic countryside of New England. The novel explores the themes of youth, innocence, and the passage of time through the experiences of Charity Royall, a young woman who falls in love with a charming but troubled artist.

5. The Age of Innocence (1920)

The Age of Innocence, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921, is a poignant exploration of love, marriage, and the constraints of society. Set in the upper-class circles of New York City during the Gilded Age, the novel follows the story of Newland Archer, a young lawyer who falls in love with a woman outside his social circle.

6. The Glimpses of the Moon (1922)

The Glimpses of the Moon is a collection of short stories that explore the psychological complexities of love and marriage. The stories delve into the hidden desires and unspoken tensions that lie beneath the surface of seemingly perfect relationships.

7. A Son at the Front (1923)

Set against the backdrop of World War I, A Son at the Front is a poignant exploration of loss, grief, and the fragility of human life. The novel follows the story of John Campton, a young American soldier who goes to fight in France, and his mother, who must confront the possibility of losing her beloved son.

8. The Mother's Recompense (1925)

The Mother's Recompense explores the complex relationship between a mother and her

Edith Wharton: 14 Great Novels

by Edith Wharton

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3717 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	347 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE