Ethan Frome (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

It's better than expected, very disturbing and deep. It made me wonder how "kind and loving" Ethan really was to his mother and the other women he eventually had to take care of. There is something I found deeply disturbing about him, more than alittle off. Though one would think his wife, Zeena, to be a pathetic victim; I saw her differently. He grossly devalued her and underestimated her. She got her revenge in a way for his destroying her youth and life. I think poor Mattie was an innocent victim, too niave to realise that Ethan was deeply disturbed. His whole relationship with her seemed entirely his own twisted fantasy and perhaps that makes the ending even more chilling. Three people locked together in hatred, trapped in a hell of one mans creation. Thats my take on it anyway. Its as depressing as "House of Mirth", both to me being cautionary tales of wasted youth and choices not taken.

For 1.94$ this book is superb. Looks like a smaller knock off version of the actual book that has 117+ pages. But since this book is larger than the others, it is condensed to 77 pages, makes the reading go by a bit quicker. All the same words, same story. Worth the money instead of going to Barnes & Noble.

Enjoyed book a lot. Great piece of literature that is different from typical stories about women in gilded age and city life.

Normally I don't read books like this and like many other people, I was forced into it by an overenthusiastic English teacher who almost cried with every turn of the page. Expecting the worse, I plugged my nose and dove into the book. What i found was not nearly as bad as I thought. The book follows Ethan through what can only be described as bad choices and bad luck. It focuses on the struggles he has with himself, his poverty, and those around him. There is no light at the end of his tunnel. It was interesting to read a book with such a hopeless character. All in all, if you're being forced to read this book in English class, you shouldn't be too upset. It's actually a decent book.

For sheer story telling and character building, Edith Wharton can't be beat. I chose to read this novel again after having read it the first time when I was a high-school sophomore. Despite the passage of many years between readings, I was transported into Ethan's world. The one drawback in this edition is the small font. But at my age, if I got through it, so can you.

Wharton’s Ethan Frome is hauntingly atmospheric — the New England winter setting, the snow, the cold isolation, all mirror the emotional state of the characters. The writing is tight, evocative, with vivid descriptions of hardship, guilt, and longing. The moral and psychological tension (between love, duty, and despair) is compelling. Encyclopedia Britannica +2 American Literature +2 That said, the novella is emotionally very heavy and somewhat grim. The plot moves slowly, and many moments feel more about mood and inner conflict than action or resolution. Some readers may feel the characters are trapped too long with little hope, making it a difficult or depressing read rather than a satisfying one

I ordered 17 copies of this book for my AP Lit class. After the AP test we read a book and discuss it with the students' parents on a designated day. This usually is a fun activity. Ethan works well for it because it is short (and inexpensive) and the story is so wonderful. My copies came almost immediately. Thanks

The description of the characters in this book are so believable , I'm all in love with them and their sad plight. The story is captivating and memorable even tho its so sad. I wish there were more books around as thoughtfully written as this one.

There are classic novels I have wanted to read. This is an inexpensive way of reading them and it will help me to decide to purchase the more expensive hardcover version of those books I will add to my favourites.