Showing results by author "Edith Wharton" in All Categories

In Edith Whartons poignant early novella, we follow the journey of Kate Orme, who starts off blissfully in love with her fiancé, only to uncover a dark and shocking secret that will change everything. Join Elizabeth Klett as she brings this gripping tale to life.

In Sanctuary, Kate Orme grapples with the shocking revelation of her fiancés involvement in a devastating tragedy and societys disturbing tendency to turn a blind eye to such transgressions. Despite her misgivings, she marries him, only to find herself years later confronting a hauntingly similar moral dilemma through her son. As he faces his own crisis, the echoes of his fathers moral failings resurface, challenging their familys legacy. (Introduction by Christine Dufour)

In Whartons evocative 1917 novella Summer, we are transported to the quaint yet stifling town of North Dormer, where Charity Royall dreams of breaking free from her constrained life and the unwelcome advances of her guardian, Mr. Royall. When the charismatic city boy, Lucius Harney, arrives to explore the regions architecture, he brings with him the promise of hope and new beginnings. But will his presence be Charitys ticket to salvation, or will it lead her down a path of ruin? (Introduction by Elizabeth Klett)

Ethan Frome, a poignant novel published in 1911 by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton, transports readers to the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts. Through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, we delve into the life of Ethan Frome, a man caught between his dreams and harsh realities, leading to an unexpected and ironic twist of fate. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Published in 1907, this provocative novel delves into the lives of a wealthy mill owner, her socially progressive husband, and their circle of friends. It sparked controversy with its candid exploration of themes such as drug abuse, mercy killing, divorce, and second marriages, making it a compelling read for those interested in societal issues of the time. (Summary by Margaret)

Dive into Greater Inclination, the captivating debut collection of short stories by Edith Wharton, published in 1899. This remarkable anthology explores timeless themes such as marriage, the complexities of male/female relationships, the intricacies of New York society, and the essence of artistic expression. Notably, one of the stories, The Twilight of the God, is presented in the form of a short play, featuring the compelling voices of mb as Warland and Bruce Pirie as Oberville. Experience the early brilliance of a literary icon with this engaging collection, narrated by Elizabeth Klett.

Dive into Edith Whartons captivating second collection of short stories, published in 1901. This anthology features seven engaging tales, including Copy A Dialogue, which unfolds as a short play. Enjoy the stellar performances of Arielle Lipshaw as Hilda and Mark F. Smith as Ventnor, brought to life by the talented Elizabeth Klett.

In this captivating collection of ten stories, first published in 1904, Edith Wharton expertly unravels the intricate customs, quirks, and challenges of courtship and marriage among the elite of New York society at the dawn of the twentieth century. While two tales transport us to Italy, the themes of fidelity and the emotional complexities faced by both protagonists and outsiders resonate universally. Whartons signature blend of gentle and sharp irony invites readers to explore the depths of human behavior and relationships. (Summary by Nicholas Clifford)

Dive into Whartons timeless tale of an aging spinster socialite, navigating the treacherous waters of love and wealth in Victorian society. With her heart torn between financial security and true passion, her journey reveals the complexities of ambition, societal expectations, and personal sacrifice. (Summary by BellonaTimes)

Dive into The House of Mirth (1905), a captivating novel by Edith Wharton that follows the life of Lily Bart, a New York socialite determined to find a husband and secure her place among the elite. This groundbreaking work is one of the earliest novels of manners in American literature, boldly addressing the limited social mobility afforded to women in the rigid confines of American Victorian society. (Summary from Wikipedia).

In The Edith Wharton Library, we open the drawing-room doors of another age and read the novels, tales, and travels in which society’s bright surfaces so often betray a darker design. Here are marriages arranged like treaties, fortunes that tremble at a whisper, and hearts that learn - too late - the cost of propriety.Each episode offers a full-length chapter reading, patiently and plainly delivered, for listeners who prefer their drama civilized, their comedy edged, and their ghosts the sort that appear most often in daylight.

In the gripping tale of Touchstone, Stephen Glennard finds himself at a crossroads as his career crumbles, leaving him desperate for money to marry his beautiful fiancée. When he stumbles upon a tantalizing advertisement in a London magazine offering a chance at financial gain, he sees a glimmer of hope. Once the object of affection for the renowned but recently deceased author Margaret Aubyn, Glennard holds onto her passionate love letters. In a moment of moral weakness, he decides to erase his name from the letters and sell them, striking it rich while betraying the memory of a woman who ...

In Long Run, a successful bachelor businessman reflects on the romantic opportunity he lost with a captivating married woman who had enchanted both him and his college buddy in their youth. Join Matt Pierard as he explores the complexities of love, regret, and the choices that shape our lives.

Glimpses of the Moon (1922) follows the lives of Nick and Susy Lansing, a couple immersed in the lavish but hollow world of European high society, living off the generosity of their affluent friends. Their marriage, born out of convenience, allows for an open relationship, but neither is prepared for the depth of emotions that begin to surface, challenging their carefree existence. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

In her groundbreaking 1920 novel, Edith Wharton tells the story of Newland Archer, a privileged gentleman navigating the intricate web of Old New York society. Engaged to the lovely May Welland, Newlands life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes captivated by Mays enigmatic cousin, Ellen Olenska. Recently returned from Europe after a scandalous separation, Ellen challenges the conventions of their world and stirs Newland’s deepest desires. Join us for this compelling journey through love, duty, and societal expectations, narrated by Elizabeth Klett, with proof listening by Stav Nisser & ...

In the heart of France, Kate Cephane lives in self-imposed exile, having left her three-year-old daughter, Anne, behind in the wake of a tumultuous marriage and a fleeting affair. When Anne reaches out, asking her mother to return for her engagement, Kate must navigate the treacherous waters of New Yorks elite society, risking scandal and scorn to mend their fractured relationship. However, upon discovering the identity of Annes fiancé, Kate is thrust into a heartbreaking dilemma how to thwart the impending marriage without exposing her own troubled past. With everything at stake, she faces ...

In Edith Whartons captivating 1907 novella, we delve into the lives of Americans navigating love and longing in Paris. John Durham, a hopeful New Yorker, travels to the City of Light with the intention of rekindling his romance with Fanny Frisbee, now the esteemed Marquis de Malrive. Although Fanny yearns to escape her troubled marriage and return to America with John, the obstacles posed by her Catholic husband loom large. When John encounters the intriguing Madame de Treymes, Fannys sister-in-law, he sees a glimmer of hope that she might assist them in their pursuit of happiness. (...

Short stories have always been a sort of instant access into an author’s brain, their soul and heart. They can lift our lives into locations, people and experiences with a sweep of landscape, narration, feelings and emotions that is difficult to achieve elsewhere. A decade of monumental change and slaughter. Many of society’s telling questions are cast aside in times of that speak of greater needs, greater priorities. For these talented authors their ideas and words keep these magnificent stories at the forefront of our literary lives.

Discover the powerful yet often overlooked novel Son At The Front by Edith Wharton, the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature. Known for her keen social observations and deep compassion, Wharton takes us into the heart of World War I through the eyes of two divorced parents. John and Julia are grappling with the reality of their son, George, who defies their wishes to serve his country. Julia, horrified by his enlistment, clashes with Johns secret pride alongside Georges stepfather. As their son faces the uncertainties of war, will he return home alive? Join us as we explore the...

The Age of Innocence follows an upper-class couple on the brink of marriage, whose happiness is jeopardized by the arrival of a woman entangled in scandal. Edith Whartons novel deftly explores the morals and expectations of 1870s New York society, providing a nuanced portrayal that avoids outright condemnation of its social structures. Wharton regarded this work as an apology for her earlier, more critical novel, The House of Mirth. Rich in detail, she illuminates the charms and customs of the upper class, earning her the first Pulitzer Prize awarded to a woman. At age 58, Wharton had lived ...