Play Book Tag discussion

This was my first book by Edith Wharton, and it won't most definitely be the last.

It is a novella about Ethan Frome, a man whom we meet in his 50's, though seemingly much older, surly, solitary, taciturn. The narrator meets him and gets to know his story from Ethan himself. In his story, he's 28, married to Zeena, a hypocondriac and sickly woman who does nothing but complain and whine. Zeena's cousin, Mattie, comes to stay with them in order to help them in the house. Ethan can't but fall in love with the girl.

The story is somber and gloomy, tragedy looms over it - but it turns out to be a tragedy much worse than I had anticipated. There is no lightness in this novella, and if ever there is, it's short-lived and a precursor to tragedy.

I wonder how the author could write such a wonderful and powerful book in such few pages.

I've been meaning to read this for years after a friend recommended it to me. Your review is very encouraging!

You need to be aware that it is a very gloomy book, but, if you don't mind that, I think it's well worth it.

I enjoyed a production of Ethan Frome on PBS back in the 90's. Liam Neeson plays Ethan.

Good to know, Denizen, thanks. I wonder if I'll be able to find it somewhere on the internet...

Marina wrote: "Good to know, Denizen, thanks. I wonder if I'll be able to find it somewhere on the internet..."

There are several versions for free on the internet.Also if you have a Kindle Amazon has several for 99 cents

Marina wrote: "Good to know, Denizen, thanks. I wonder if I'll be able to find it somewhere on the internet..."

Amazon has the Liam Neeson version for $3.99 to rent. I didn't check anywhere else.

Seems to me I was introduced to this literature in high school ('60s) and I was not impressed. However, I was always the one that didn't want to read any "assigned" reading but I devoured all else; often a book a day! The librarians knew me! Then, of course, I became a librarian! Maybe it is something I should consider revisiting.

Thanks! I found the free versions you're talking about, Ladyslott, I really need to find the time to watch this adaptation one of these nights. I'm pretty sure I'll love it.

Barbara, I know what you mean. I didn't exactly like assigned reading myself, although I must admit that some of the books/stories/poems I had to read were really great and shaped the reader I am today (I remember some short stories by Dino Buzzati and Edgar Allan Poe, I immediately fell in love with both authors...). It might be a good idea to revisit this novella now that it's not something you must read for school. I should do so myself with some books I didn't enjoy in school.

I loved this book. It was dark, but it was just so good.

I agree, Raine!

Add me to the list of fans of this book. Dark, but so powerful.

Oo. Anita says dark and powerful. I'm downloading it now.

Susie, I hope you'll like it!