Ginette B. (Niteowl7) reviewed on 3/22/2008 + 242 more book reviews

Edith Wharton's best known novel. Ethan Frome is a tragic figure. On the one hand, Ethan lives a dreary existence on his unproductive farm with his shrewish, hypochondriac, very difficult wife, Zeena. On the other hand, Ethan dreams of happiness in the form of Mattie who has become their servant. Zeena and Mattie are opposites of each other. Ethan is a passive, fearful man who never challenges his wife's demands. When he finally does take action, he becomes impulsive and leads to tragedy. Wharton's descriptions of a small town in New England are so well written they evoke the feel of that town so much so that they reflect the whole mood of the story and the interactions of Zeena and Ethan. This slim book really packs a punch. A must read.

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