Ethan Frome

Set in the bleak landscape of Starkfield, Massachusetts, the story revolves around Ethan Frome, a man burdened by unfulfilled love and tragedy. For years, he has secretly adored his wife Zeena's cousin, Mattie, while enduring the strain of his marriage. The arrival of a mysterious outsider brings Ethan's hidden emotions and the truth behind his physical injuries to light. Wharton's poignant exploration of love's complexities and the characters' inability to communicate their feelings culminates in a heart-wrenching conclusion that resonates with readers.