Ethan Frome

This novel by Edith Wharton is a tragic one. I find it surprising that this book is listed under children's fiction because of some of the serious themes it deals with, including a love triangle and a suicide attempt.

Ethan Frome, the main character, is a New Englander who is married to a sickly woman named Zeena. Their marriage is an unfulfilling one. When her cousin Mattie, youthful and vibrant, comes to stay with them, Ethan falls for spirit and she begins to take interest in him as well. They try to hide their feelings for awhile, but Zeena eventually picks up on them. Mattie eventually has to go away, wants Ethan to come with her although he's tied to his home and marriage. In a fit of passion, they decide to commit suicide by riding a toboggan down a steep slope littered with trees. Unfortunately, it is a failed attempt and they both are seriously injured to the point of crippling. The ending finds all three of them old and broken down, living in the same home.

This novel is a very depressing one, and Wharton developed her tragic characters well and portrayed a vivid picture of small town New England life in that time setting (the late 1800s I believe, or early 1900s--it's been awhile since I've read the novel). The story is tinged with emotion, and the full impact of it won't hit you until you've read it, and taken some time to think about the story. It's a fairly short read, but an intense one.

Snow is the backdrop to much of the story, and it seems a very fitting one, as winter is dreary and parallels the storyline. If you're into depressing novels, then this one is definitely one for you. If you prefer a lighthearted read, you may want to look elsewhere.

Ethan Frome is present on many young adult required reading lists, and the story has become a classic of sorts because of its passion. It remains one of my favorites, and although I strongly feel that reading the book is always superior to watching the movie, if you never get to read this novel at least see the movie.