by Edith Wharton
I've been trying to read/review a classic a month since the start of the year. I've had some success with my choices and one total failure (Wuthering Heights anyone?). Ethan Frome falls somewhere in the middle. I don't really feel anything towards it.
I spent most of the book feeling sorry for Ethan. Marrying young and (at least it sounded like) impulsively then almost instantly regretting it. But, the more I've thought about it, the more I felt sorry for Zeena too. We never hear her side of the story - just Ethan's she holds me back and is so awful side of the story. I think the fact that Zeena stuck around after the accident suggests that maybe she wasn't quite as evil as we are lead to believe.
On the whole, I thought this was ok, though I am pretty sure I'm missing whatever makes this book a classic.
PS Circumstances have changed, so I don't have nearly unlimited computer time like I used too. I'll try to keep up with posting, but it may slow down for a while too. Please be patient.
4 comments:
I haven't read this since sophomore year in high school, but I remember it being sad and tragic. I've been wanting to reread it because I like Edith Wharton. It will be interesting to see how I feel about it as an adult--that always changes things! I liked Wuthering Heights when I was a teenager, but not as an adult. Really, what was I thinking?
Never heard of the book or author. I alway suspicious of "classics", I've read a couple that really stink.
Shelley - The book is quite sad and tragic. It's more of a character study than a story, and I think that's where I am getting stuck. I haven't read anything else by Wharton, but would be open to it.
Laura - I have a severe love/hate relationships with classics. But, I feel like I should try them, so each month a pick a new one from the list and dig in.
Thanks for the review. I've always meant to read this book, but I've never gotten around to it. It's good to know that I haven't missed anything terribly interesting.
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