N S Ford

The time-travelling bookworm: ‘Ethan Frome’ by Edith Wharton

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I studied this novella for a ‘Women in American Literature’ course. I ended up focusing exclusively on Edith Wharton! She wrote a really fascinating array of fiction. Published in 1911, Ethan Frome is a very sad, simple story, set in Massachusetts. Oddly, what I most remember about this book is that in an essay, I was considering the significance of a pickle dish belonging to Zeena, Ethan’s ill and resentful wife. I haven’t read the book since I studied it in 2008. Eventually I will re-read it. Considering how interested I was in Edith Wharton, I ought to read her again soon.

Catch up with previous posts in this series: Dreamweaver, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Three of Diamonds, South Riding.

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Comments

9 responses to “The time-travelling bookworm: ‘Ethan Frome’ by Edith Wharton”

  1. Rebecca Moon Ruark avatar
    Rebecca Moon Ruark

    I’ve seen some beautiful pickle dishes! I wonder what the significance of that one was. I have to admit I haven’t read any Wharton, that I can remember anyway. Maybe I should start with this one?

    Reply
    1. nsford avatar
      nsford

      I can’t remember now, I’ll have to re-read! I recommend either Ethan Frome or Summer to begin with Wharton as they are both short reads.

      Reply
      1. Rebecca Moon Ruark avatar
        Rebecca Moon Ruark

        Thanks!

        Reply
  2. RoseReadsNovels avatar
    RoseReadsNovels

    I finished reading Ethan Frome, had a cry, then reread the book. I remember feeling sorry for Zeena and wondering what her side of the story was.

    Reply
  3. R A I N avatar
    R A I N

    A pickle? That’s interesting N! 😍 And you know this has been sitting on my classics tbr for FR TOO LONG NOW. Maybe your post is a sign that I should get to it ASAP!

    Reply
    1. nsford avatar
      nsford

      Wow you have to read this one! It’s quite short for a classic 😉

      Reply
      1. R A I N avatar
        R A I N

        I WILLL!! Soon! 😘❤️

        Reply
  4. Lashaan Balasingam @ Bookidote avatar
    Lashaan Balasingam @ Bookidote

    This sounds interesting. I’ve never heard of this Edith Wharton but if it was analyzed, it must mean that there’s a lot more to it than it seems. 😮

    Reply
    1. nsford avatar
      nsford

      There is always a lot more than you would think, especially when classic books are concerned! Look for the symbols 😉 But actually if you were in the mood to try an American classic which doesn’t take long to read, this could be one for you.

      Reply

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