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"Ethan Frome" by Edith Wharton is a less sensational work than Wharton's "The Age of Innocence," but Wharton’s writing was, as I was glad to find out, still captivating. The story, which is at first narrated by a nameless businessman intrigued by Frome's tragic yet powerful demeanor, takes place in the fictitious, bitter cold Starkfield, Massachusetts and centers around the character of Ethan Frome, who in the prime of his youth, gives up his educational ambitious to care for his family’s farm and ailing mother after his father’s untimely death. Frome at this time in this life marries his older cousin Zenobia (Zeena) Pierce, who takes in her orphaned relation, Mattie, in place of a hired girl to help around the house. However, Mattie is not an adequate worker, but Frome has by now become infatuated by her lively innocence, youth, and passion for life. Zeena, sensing her husband’s attraction to the girl, is threatened and spitefully, makes plans to turn out Mattie. When Zeena unveils her intentions the emotions and chaos they provoke are unexpectedly rash and strong leading to a disastrous and tragic result in which love buckles under the sad circumstances of life and the unlucky Frome ends up doubly burdened.

"Ethan Frome" is a very dramatic story, perhaps a bit too dramatic for my taste, but that drama serves well for the nature of the tale. Frome is man trapped by duty, responsibility, and when a chance at happiness is dangled in front of him, he longs to possess it only to realize, tragically, that life cannot be forced into the way we want it, we cannot all escape.

A short, classically well-written piece that has a great theme and concept.

Overly dramatic, silly, with unlikable self centered characters. You feel bad for the wrong people and are annoyed by the main characters, and the ending is ridiculous (who does that?! what an idiotic way to attempt suicide. ( )

I do not recommend this book. If you want to read an Edith Wharton novel, read the Age of Innocence. If you already have read the Age of Innocence and want to read Ethan Frome, read the Age of Innocence again.
Ethan Frome was difficult to finish. Although considered a classic, this is a book I would not read again. Honestly, I wish I could forget Ethan Frome. ( )

This book is beautifully written. The story is beautifully told - and what a love story it is.
The book is about the life of a man who falls in love with his wife's cousin and the impact this has on his life.
I would have scored it higher but I didnt like the ending! ( )

This is a very well written and constructed, but rather nasty and ugly story. I would recommend it most to fans of Shirley Jackson. Others may find that their dislike for the plot overwhelms any admiration for the prose. ( )