Edith Wharton was an American author, designer, and playwright. Born in 1862, she lived in a time when the only acceptable role for women in society was to be a good wife and mother.
Coming from New York’s upper-class aristocracy, these rigid social expectations were even stronger for Wharton, but she managed to break free and become one of the most celebrated writers in American history.
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In 1921, she became the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize. Wharton died in 1937, but her legacy has endured through the decades, and she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1996.
Today, his most popular works, such as The Age of Innocence, The House of Joy, and Ethan Frome, are considered classics. I love all three of these titles (which is why they’re at the top of this list), but there’s a lot more to Edith Wharton’s repertoire than you might realize.
These are my top seven recommendations for edith wharton books you should read. enjoy!
edith wharton’s best books
1. the age of innocence
the age of innocence transports the reader to the “golden age” of new york. It was a really exciting time, but a time when the rigid rules of society held sway, and anyone who lived outside these rules was ostracized and shamed.
The story follows Mr. newland archer and his forthcoming marriage to the beautiful and respectable miss mary welland. his families have decided his future for them, and now he is mr. The goalkeeper’s duty is to make sure that he misses well and is taken care of for life.
but when an enigmatic countess appears on the scene after fleeing the clutches of her ex-husband, mr. Archer falls under her spell.
Now, she must make a decision that will shape not only her own future, but also the future of two powerful New York aristocratic families. Will he choose sensibility, convention, and duty, or will he follow his fiery passions and invite a scandal that could destroy him?
The Age of Innocence was Edith Wharton’s twelfth novel and also her most successful. Wharton was well established in her career by the time it was published, and had already earned the respect of her colleagues and publishers alike. This book cemented her place in history as the first woman to receive a Pulitzer Prize.
2. the house of joy
The House of Joy vividly depicts the social, economic and moral constraints placed on a woman in early 20th century New York. tells the story of beautiful, charming and sophisticated Lily Bart, who has no shortage of wealthy suitors.
But as the clock ticks down and she remains single, her position in high society begins to unravel. a woman without a husband, especially a woman without the backing of a wealthy father, is seen as unacceptable and even scandalous.
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While Lily is sought after by many eligible gentlemen, something prevents her from entering the confines of a marriage. Could her fiercely independent spirit be her success, or could it be her downfall?
The House of Joy was first published in 1905. It made waves at the time by challenging the rigidly defined roles of women in society. she portrayed a strong female character with a defiant freedom of expression and thought, something that had rarely been celebrated in the past.
3. ethan frome
ethan frome lives a hard life on his dilapidated farm, struggling to make ends meet. With his difficult and overbearing wife, Zeena, he is unhappy in both work and love.
But when a relative of Zeena’s enters their home, everything changes for Ethan. Mattie Silver is a vibrant, energetic and beautiful young woman, and she feels like a breath of fresh air in Ethan’s stagnant household. he quickly falls in love with her and the freedom, passion, and excitement that he represents to her.
But in a time when scandal spells doom for a family, and with a ruthless controlling wife to contend with, can Ethan live out his inner desires and be truly happy?
ethan frome is a book that delves into the struggle between social conventions and pure passion. analyzes what it means to live in a society that demonizes human instincts, emotions and behaviors. It is distinct from Wharton’s other works in subject matter, setting, and tone, but has nonetheless become one of his most beloved works.
4. the custom of the country
Country Custom follows the tempestuous Ondine Spragg and her incredible exploits, which take her from New York to Europe. undine is a rather unpleasant protagonist; she is undeniably vain, selfish and entitled, but at the same time she is captivating and fascinating.
The reader follows Undine on her adventures into the world of America’s new money elite; through her passionate affairs, bitter marriages, and his refusal to live within the confines of social pressures.
First published in 1913, The Country Custom is considered by many of Edith Wharton’s fans to be her masterpiece. Much of this fascinating story is inspired by his own life and travels, and allows the reader a brief glimpse into his personal world.
5. summer
charity royall is a naive and sheltered young woman who comes from humble beginnings. But when she meets an ambitious and educated man of the world named Lucius Harney, her life changes forever.
He shows her things she thought would never be possible, and she begins to blossom into a liberated new version of herself. But despite her desire to be a free and independent woman, her past still hangs over her like a dark cloud that she can’t shake.
When summer was first published, it was considered something of a sensation. its unabashed depictions of sex, scandal, and women’s liberation ushered in a whole new era of how women were perceived in literature. Wharton herself described Summer as a “hot Ethan” and declared it one of her personal favorite works.
6. the buccaneers
nan and jinny, the st george sisters, have everything they need except one thing. both are exceptionally beautiful and incredibly rich. yet despite these gifts, they lack the wealthy and aristocratic status they need to make their way through the elite circles of society.
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But when Laura Testvalley is hired as Nan’s governess, she devises a plan to help take the sisters to heights they never imagined. the sisters cut loose with the British aristocracy across the pond, and immediately make waves. princes, dukes, lords, and other titled gentlemen are enamored not only with their sister’s beauty but also with the incredible wealth they have at her disposal.
The Buccaneers paints a detailed picture of what life was like in high society on both sides of the pond at a time when the world was beginning to turn its back on rank and inherited status.
7. the reef
Located across the pond in London, The Reef follows the story of George and Anna, an up-and-coming couple engaged to be married. George is an eligible young gentleman, and Anna is a destitute widow in need of a husband.
but both parties are not sure about their upcoming nuptials. George has a brief affair with a kind working-class woman named Sophy. Sophy later meets Anna’s stepson, Owen, who falls head over heels for her. Despite society’s expectations that she marry into her own upper class, Owen is determined to make Sophy his bride.
Finding out that Sophy is having an affair with her husband and her unexpected relationship with her stepson, Anna is in crisis. Her heart and her loyalties are torn, and she must navigate her next steps very carefully to avoid a life of bitterness, resentment, and family discord.
the reef is another classic example of edith wharton’s unrivaled talent for depicting the mood of her times. Again, he paints a descriptive portrait of the rigid and unreasonable expectations of society in the early 20th century.
conclusion
These seven riveting books by Edith Wharton were considered contemporary classics of their time and are still adored by readers around the world. He wrote more than 40 books during his 40-year career and has an incredibly varied collection of works.
The selections in this article are a great place to start, but there are many more fascinating wharton stories to explore.
what are your favorite edith wharton books? let me know in the comments below!
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