Selected Shorts: Edith Wharton

by Symphony Space, Edith Wharton, Kathleen Chalfant (Read by)

Four stories written by the great American fiction writer Edith Wharton and read by terrific actors, including Maria Tucci and Kathleen Chalfant, make up this two-CD set, recorded live at The Mount, Wharton's house and gardens which she designed and built in Lenox, Massachusetts. The first woman to receive a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the first woman to be granted full membership in the American Academy of Arts and Letters, Wharton is known for writing stories that reveal a keen satire of upper-class manners, an unblinking recognition of passion's limits, and a powerfully observant style.

Genres: Short Stories, Classics, 20th Century, Fiction, American, Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

Published April 1, 2007

About the author

http://store.symphonyspace.org/collec...

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of these short stories is brilliant in its own way. No one is better than Wharton at capturing characters and illustrating the range of human emotions. The book record on Goodreads groups together a lot of random short story collections. They do not contain the same stories. The edition of the book that I shelved contains the following stories:

Mrs Manstey’s View. A poignant story of an elderly woman distraught at the construction that will remove one of the few pleasures left to her.

Roman Fever. Old acquaintances share secrets about a long ago trip to Rome. At least one of them probably wishes that she hadn’t learned the secret.

The Reckoning. A woman realizes how cruel she has been when faced with similar treatment.

Xingu. Amusing misunderstanding at a book club meeting.

[Elizabeth A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blurb: recorded live at The Mount, Wharton's house and gardens which she designed and built in Lenox, Massachusetts

Realized that while I've watched several movie adaptions I have yet to read any books by Edith Wharton. Spent a fun morning exploring The Mount this week so decided to move her up my TBR.

Mrs Manstey’s View - A poignant tale of aging and real estate [4]

Roman Fever - Excellent reminder that you don't know people like you think you do [5]

The Reckoning - Sometimes you don't appreciate how much you've hurt someone until you've been hurt [4]

Xingu - Book clubs have always been dangerous [4]

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Mrs. Manstey's View" - You are what you view... an Edith Wharton-era real estate story. (5 stars)

"Roman Fever" - What happened that night in Rome so long ago? The secret revealed. (4 stars)

"The Reckoning" - The high price of marital harmony. (4 stars)

"Xingu" - Wild goings-on at a ladies' book group. (4 stars)

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contains one of my favorite Wharton turns of phrase: "the mentally unemployed."

[Alison Fulmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of Edith Wharton I have not read. Amazing writer especially for her time

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was a fun pick! I am so glad to be doing the reading challenge because it has given me the opportunity to read so many wonderful books!
The short story I listened to from this collection was Xingu. This is a delightful, humourous story about ladies who lunch and talk books. When the newcomer joins the community, hilarity ensues and we learn all about the importance of Xingu. Clever writing, crisp dialogue and laugh out loud humour. Highly recommend;

[Phil Slattery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this while traveling from Little Rock, Arkansas to Gillett, Arkansas. These are fantastic stories! Incredibly entertaining and insightful into human nature and foibles. I will read/listen to more of her short stories at first opportunity. I had long heard of Edith Wharton, but never "read" any of her works until I happened to come across this collection in a bookstore in the River Market district of Little Rock. There are some excellent twists in these four stories. The writing is superb! This is classic writing at its very best. Not a superfluous word and every sentence is packed with meaning and action leading to the story's conclusion. I look forward to reading more of her works.

[David Cerruti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect these stories to be my cup of tea, but was pleasantly surprised. Roman Fever was my favorite. The twist at the end was elegant. The other three stories poked fun at the upper-class twits of her day. They were reminiscent of stories by Saki, but not as concise.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audio book was witty and fun, just perfect for two hours in the car. The stories, read by singular actors, seemed like little plays. The four pieces are: Mrs. Manstey's View, Roman Fever (my fave), The Reckoning, and Xingu.

[G L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only four stories, but they are magnificent. Very well read. I love the twists.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterical stories, a well-read, live recording (not read by author).

[NellyBells · Rating 2 out of 5]

Symphony Space narrators are voice actors and they are very good. But the stories are not so good. Think I will re-read House of Mirth and quit the short stories.

[Eithan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great selection of short satirical and wise stories by Wharton, it's always a pleasure to read (and re read) them

[Kimberly B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharp, quick-witted, and vibrant characters that elicits laughter and sadness. A great way to dip your toe into Wharton and eager to read more.