Ethan Frome

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton's 1911 novel Ethan Frome takes place in Massachusetts at the turn of the 19th century. The book was made into a movie in 1993 starring Liam Neeson, Patricia Arquette and Joan Allen.

Sickly Zeena Frome's cousin Mattie comes to help her husband Ethan with the housework, but when an attraction develops between Ethan and Mattie, Zeena threatens to send Mattie away in favor of hiring a paid housekeeper. Turmoil stirs between Mattie and Ethan as they realize they might not be able to remain together.

"Ethan Frome centers on the power of local convention to smother the growth of the individual. Written with stark simplicity, this powerful and tragic novel has long been considered one of Wharton's greatest works."—Powell Books

• • Mahalo Guide to Edith Wharton
• The Mount: Edith Wharton's Estate and Gardens
• The Edith Wharton Society
• Wikipedia: Edith Wharton
• National Portrait Gallery: Edith Wharton
• The Literature Network: Edith Wharton Profile and Forum
• The Quotation Page: Edith Wharton Quotes