I am currently near the end of the above mentioned ‘To paradise’ (720 pages) Frantzen’s ‘ Crossroads’ (580 pages) and Robert Kolker’s ‘ Hidden Valley Road’ (400) so I jumped at the chance of reading this novella, part of the Novellas in November #NovNov run by Cathy at 746books and Rebecca of BookishBeck.

I was recently reading Hanya Yanagihara’s ‘ To paradise’ and the first part is set in a well furnished, opulent apartment building at the end of the 1800’s, featuring the scion of a family of old money, and that put me in mind of Wharton again.

I have never read Edith Wharton before, my only previous experience was many years ago watching the Scorcese film ‘The age of innocence’, which disappointed me because of what it wasn’t (and I should watch it again). Ethan is married to Zeena- a chronic hypochondriac. Wharton deftly etches the characters, their interpersonal relationships and tensions, and the 'choices' poverty and circumstances push on them. The way the content is organized and presented is seamlessly smooth, innovative, and comprehensive. What a book Its no wonder that its still a much read and appreciated book- even after 111 years of publication (1911). Everything you need for every book you read. Later, during a blizzard, the narrator is forced to stay the night in Frome’s cold, desolate home and the story of his earlier life is told…. Our Teacher Edition on Ethan Frome can help. Mention of his name causes the townsfolk to clear their throats and look elsewhere, giving nothing away. Whilst on business in Starkfield, Massachusetts, an unnamed narrator is intrigued by the loping, intense figure of a man named Ethan Frome. Ethan Frome, a poor, downtrodden New England farmer is trapped in a loveless marriage to his invalid wife, Zeena.

Ethan frome book cover