Ethan Frome. Finished 9-30-16, rating 5/5, classics, 181 pages, pub. 1911
Ethan Frome works his unproductive farm and struggles to maintain a bearable existence with his difficult, suspicious, and hypochondriac wife, Zeena. But when Zeena’s vivacious cousin enters their household as a “hired girl”, Ethan finds himself obsessed with her and with the possibilities for happiness she comes to represent.
In one of American fiction’s finest and most intense narratives, Edith Wharton moves this ill-starred trio toward their tragic destinies. Different in both tone and theme from Wharton’s other works, Ethan Frome has become perhaps her most enduring and most widely read novel. from Goodreads
I’m amazed at how much Wharton was able to accomplish in such a slim novel. I think I saw the previews for the last Ethan Frome movie that came out in the 90’s and thought it looked so boring. The barren earth with unhappy people didn’t really inspire, but once I started reading this I was hooked.
The narrator of the story meets Ethan after the bulk of the story takes place and what a story of unhappiness to tell. Don’t let that scare you off though. Sit down with a cup of tea on a chilly day and read it all in one sitting. It will make an impact. Loved it.
Stacy's Books 
I am so not a Classics person. But I’m impressed that you are.
Lloyd (408) 348-4849
Well, I try! I did get my degree in English Ed so I think it comes with he territory.
My sister moaned and groaned when she had to read this book in high school so I’ve always avoided it. It sounds like I need to check it out.
I probably would have complained in high school too 🙂
It might sound odd but this is a fave Wharton book for me. She is very dark.
I’m yet to read any of Wharton’s books but I keep saying I will. This sounds like an interesting read so I’ll add it to my list to look out for. 🙂
Ethan Frome is one of my all time favorites. The characters are just a mess, which I tend to be attracted to. There often seems to be more depth to a story which involves messy people.
One of my faves to read and to teach. Love the symbolism.
I read this in high school and can’t remember a thing about it other than the title; not even whether I liked it or not. I’m not sure what that says about my memory!
Happens to me all the time 🙂
I’ve tried to read Wharton before with no success. But this one sounds very doable for me.
thanks for the review 🙂