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Mark Porton's Reviews > Ethan Frome
Ethan Frome
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Ethan Frome is my fourth Edith Wharton story and again, she has not disappointed. I came into this one blind, and I was expecting Wharton to provide another humorous study of the stuffy upper-class in New York society.
Well, this is not what she delivered on this occasion.
Ethan Frome lives in a rural fictional town in Massachusetts in the early 1900s. He only just scrapes out an existence from an unproductive, worthless piece of land. His horses are old and knackered, he has an old guy who helps out and a very sickly wife called Zeena who seems to be mostly bed-bound and miserable. This would normally engender some sympathy in the reader, but it is clear Wharton’s intention is to paint Zeena as a mean-spirited, hyper-critical person. I couldn’t stand her.
Early on we discover Ethan was badly injured in an accident many years ago, leaving him physically impaired, but still able to perform some duties. We are not sure what exactly happened to cause his injuries � Wharton adds a little tension and suspense here, as we discover the cause of his injuries. The hapless Ethan, also had to care for each parent before they passed away, and now he is caring for Zeena. Wharton makes us feel for this poor guy � it’s obvious the cards haven’t fallen his way………�.and on top of all this, it is freezing cold, typical of this state in winter I understand. This gives the whole story a feeling of extreme hardship and misery.
Enter Mattie Silver, a young bright bubble of a woman, who comes to the house to help with the house duties due to Zeena’s incapacity � Mattie is related to Zeena, and is taken on because she herself has hit hard times. The three main characters of Ethan, Zeena and Mattie weave an interesting web � all largely as a result of Ethan’s obsession with the girl.
This makes for a fascinating story. Ethan is obviously conflicted, not only due to societal norms of the day, but also (in my opinion) due his own moral compass � Ethan is a good bloke. But how much can the man put up with?
Wharton increased the tension as this story progressed, growing to a surprising crescendo. I wont say if the ending was sad, happy or in between.
But, my oh my, Edith, you’ve done it again!!
4 Stars
Well, this is not what she delivered on this occasion.
Ethan Frome lives in a rural fictional town in Massachusetts in the early 1900s. He only just scrapes out an existence from an unproductive, worthless piece of land. His horses are old and knackered, he has an old guy who helps out and a very sickly wife called Zeena who seems to be mostly bed-bound and miserable. This would normally engender some sympathy in the reader, but it is clear Wharton’s intention is to paint Zeena as a mean-spirited, hyper-critical person. I couldn’t stand her.
Early on we discover Ethan was badly injured in an accident many years ago, leaving him physically impaired, but still able to perform some duties. We are not sure what exactly happened to cause his injuries � Wharton adds a little tension and suspense here, as we discover the cause of his injuries. The hapless Ethan, also had to care for each parent before they passed away, and now he is caring for Zeena. Wharton makes us feel for this poor guy � it’s obvious the cards haven’t fallen his way………�.and on top of all this, it is freezing cold, typical of this state in winter I understand. This gives the whole story a feeling of extreme hardship and misery.
Enter Mattie Silver, a young bright bubble of a woman, who comes to the house to help with the house duties due to Zeena’s incapacity � Mattie is related to Zeena, and is taken on because she herself has hit hard times. The three main characters of Ethan, Zeena and Mattie weave an interesting web � all largely as a result of Ethan’s obsession with the girl.
This makes for a fascinating story. Ethan is obviously conflicted, not only due to societal norms of the day, but also (in my opinion) due his own moral compass � Ethan is a good bloke. But how much can the man put up with?
Wharton increased the tension as this story progressed, growing to a surprising crescendo. I wont say if the ending was sad, happy or in between.
But, my oh my, Edith, you’ve done it again!!
4 Stars
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Reading Progress
January 31, 2023
–
Started Reading
January 31, 2023
– Shelved
January 31, 2023
–
45.45%
"Mmmm......this isn't as chuckle-worthy as I expected BUT it's still good!"
page
45
February 2, 2023
– Shelved as:
classics
February 2, 2023
– Shelved as:
not-sure-how-to-classify
February 2, 2023
– Shelved as:
romance
February 2, 2023
– Shelved as:
wharton
February 2, 2023
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 51 (51 new)
My daughter was assigned this in high school, and we listened to it in the car for several days going back and forth to gymnastics, an hour each way. We were both severely depressed when it was over. It was bleak. Thomas Hardy bleak. Had to watch Disney films just to get our spirits up.
Julie wrote: "I love this novella, and I think it is one of the best works of modern fiction ever to come out of the U.S. Ms. Wharton is something else, isn't she, MM?"
Oh yes, Edith was certainly a brilliant author Jools - versatile too, she can move from poking fun to bleak in the blink of an eye. Just magic :))
Diane wrote: "My daughter was assigned this in high school, and we listened to it in the car for several days going back and forth to gymnastics, an hour each way. We were both severely depressed when it was ove..."That is a bit funny, you guys having to watch Disney to cheer yourselves up Diane - yes, it really is that miserable isn't it? Poor Ethan - I really felt for him.
I had my eye on this one, and your review has sealed the deal. I'm glad Wharton did not disappoint. (How could she? ;-) Excellent review, Mark!
Kimber wrote: "I had my eye on this one, and your review has sealed the deal. I'm glad Wharton did not disappoint. (How could she? ;-) Excellent review, Mark!"How could she indeed Kimber, a wonderful author. I hope you 'enjoy' this one as much as I did - it's rivetting!! Thanks again :))
I love how you fit the word knackered into your review! It's not a word I come across every day.
I loved this one! Wonderful review, Mark!
Lisa wrote: "I love how you fit the word knackered into your review! It's not a word I come across every day."Hahahaha - I am here to serve, Lisa! Well, I didn't know I did - so I just had to check - yes, the poor horses. It's a wonderful I think as it sounds like what it means. One of my favourites - thanks again!!
Karen wrote: "I loved this one! Wonderful review, Mark!"Thanks so much Karen, great - I'll have to rush over and check out your review!! Cheers Mark :))
I've been meaning to read this for years. I'm grateful for people like you who float this title in my feed every once in a while. :) I'm aware of the bleak outlook and never really seem to find the right time for something like this, but I like for the idea of it to stay alive. Great review, Mark!
Mark, I always love reading your reviews, but especially for books where I have read the author and can relive reading the story all over again through your eyes.
I read this one so long ago that I have it marked to re-read someday and you've made me want to do it sooner rather than later! Well, I have yet to read "and they lived happily ever" in a Wharton story, but I sure do love how she ends things regardless. Marvelous review, Markus!
Mark, what would you have done if you were Ethan Frome?
Mark. Fab review! I think it's time for a reread of this one. I've only read one humorous story by Wharton and that was a big surprise because humor isn't really her thing. But I just love her. She's one of my favorite writers.
I think I was the only one in my HS English class to really like this one. Glad to see it holds up, Mark, and you’ve written a terrific review. I love “bubble of a woman!� 😃 Nothing like a good triangle in literature, no?
Terrific review. I haven't read this one but am a huge Wharton fan so I'm going to have to move this high on my list.
Great review! I plan to read this next.
Charles wrote: "I've been meaning to read this for years. I'm grateful for people like you who float this title in my feed every once in a while. :) I'm aware of the bleak outlook and never really seem to find the..."Oh this is certainly worth it Charles, it's really worth it and I have a feeling you'll love this one - there's a lot in it!! Thanks again mate :))
Cheri wrote: "Mark, I always love reading your reviews, but especially for books where I have read the author and can relive reading the story all over again through your eyes."That's such a kind thing to say Cheri, thank you! Yes, that's one of the things I enjoy the most about reviewing is once done, we can then run around and check out the reviews of our GR friends - and we always pick up something new!!
Candi wrote: "I read this one so long ago that I have it marked to re-read someday and you've made me want to do it sooner rather than later! Well, I have yet to read "and they lived happily ever" in a Wharton s..."I would really lkike to read your thoughts on this one Canders!! Yes, it's bleak and a slow burner - not too long, you;ll knock this off in a day or two! Thanks again :))
Fantastic Review. I think I read this shortly before I had to move to audio books because of failing vision. Your review brought back such vivid memories We live in northwest Florida and I got cold just from reading your review. I can remember visiting my grandparents who lived in upper Michigan for Christmas when I was about 14 and couldn't believe how cold and dark the days were. Poor Ethan.and he had had to live with such a depressing wife. I can understand Diane's comment about having to watch Disney to recover their cheer. Your review was a great piece of writing!
I remember really liking this book when I read it, but it was so long ago, it is vague in my memories. Terrific review, Mark. You make me want to reread it.
caffeinated reader wrote: "Mark, what would you have done if you were Ethan Frome?"Wow, what a question in an open forum Caffy. Okay - here goes.
I think Ethan was a little too meek for my liking, I mean - granted his wife was sick (I think Wharton kind of suggests she may have been milking it a bit - but let's put that aside), but she was horrible. I think it's fair enough for him to fancy and dream of a better life with Mattie, as his life was so miserable and hard for so long. But, regarding him being meek - he should've given a bit back to Zeena and told her not to talk to him, or Mattie like that - as some of that stuff was horrible. Methinks if he had an open dialogue with her over the years, if she didn't change - fair play, he could take off with Mattie. That;s how I think I'd like to play this (easy though when talking in the hyperthetical).
That's my take Mattie - what do you think? Have you read this one?
Anne wrote: "Mark. Fab review! I think it's time for a reread of this one. I've only read one humorous story by Wharton and that was a big surprise because humor isn't really her thing. But I just love her. She..."Thanks so much Annie, I think you may be right!!!! You gave this 5-stars on your first read - wahaaay! I remember when I read my first Wharton - Xingu - and I was banging on about how funny she was, and you said she's not always funny. I thought "yeah, right Anne" - well, alright then - you're right (dammit!!). There's not a lot to laugh about in this one is there? I should've listened!!
Jennifer wrote: "I think I was the only one in my HS English class to really like this one. Glad to see it holds up, Mark, and you’ve written a terrific review. I love “bubble of a woman!� 😃 Nothing like a good tri..."Oh yes, a love triangle will do it every time Jennifer. But this was almost a love triangle without a third side - Zeena, his wife. That makes it a love 'line' - which doesn't quite have the same ring to it does it? You're right, though the interplay here was just so interesting. Mattie was a bright wee bubble of a woman I think - a very nice person, considering she'd had such a tough life. Thanks so much Jennifer for your kind comments 😊
Dee wrote: "Fantastic Review. I think I read this shortly before I had to move to audio books because of failing vision. Your review brought back such vivid memories We live in northwest Florida and I got cold..."Hahahaha - thanks Dee, does it ever get cold in Florida? Florida I would imagine is similar to Cairns in Far North Queensland where I live - tropical. Only has two seasons (1) Warm & (2) Bloody hot and humid. Yes, this one is based in a cold bleak place for sure - yes, Diane's comment was funny. Thanks for your very kind comment about my writing - very kind of you :))
Lisa wrote: "Terrific review. I haven't read this one but am a huge Wharton fan so I'm going to have to move this high on my list."Brilliant Lisa - it's well worth it, thanks so much!!
Jeannie wrote: "Great review! I plan to read this next."Thanks Jeannie!!
Antoinette wrote: "I remember really liking this book when I read it, but it was so long ago, it is vague in my memories. Terrific review, Mark. You make me want to reread it."Thanks heaps Antoinette - yes, you're due for a re-read methinks!!
You've dangled the carrot with this one, Mark! I haven't read anything from the author but this is very enticing! Great stuff, mate!
But, Mark, I see you only gave it 4 stars? Yet you condemned my 4 stars. What is up with that? 🤣
Mark wrote: "caffeinated reader wrote: "Mark, what would you have done if you were Ethan Frome?"Wow, what a question in an open forum Caffy. Okay - here goes.
I think Ethan was a little too meek for my liki..."
You write not only fantastic reviews, but you also post great replies! I read Ethan Frome years ago. What I remember was saying to myself after reading this book, "What a waste of life!"
I loved, loved, loved Edith Wharton in my 20s and 30s. She tells mesmerizing stories and really makes her readers ponder on these moral dilemmas to which there are no easy answers!. Your review made me want to read her again.
Jonathan wrote: "You've dangled the carrot with this one, Mark! I haven't read anything from the author but this is very enticing! Great stuff, mate!"Ahhhh yes, great stuff mate - and this is a quick read too. An even quicker read and a good introduction to Edith is - Xingu - a short story, easily availablde on t' 'tinternet - thanks again Johnno 😊👌
Antoinette wrote: "But, Mark, I see you only gave it 4 stars? Yet you condemned my 4 stars. What is up with that? 🤣"Mmmmmm - what you've stumbled across there Antoinette is what is colloquially known, in this neck of the woods as, "A Porton F*ck Up" - please accept my most humble apologies. If I give you a hard time, I need to, at least make sure I do it properly 😬😬
caffeinated reader wrote: "Mark wrote: "caffeinated reader wrote: "Mark, what would you have done if you were Ethan Frome?"Wow, what a question in an open forum Caffy. Okay - here goes.
I think Ethan was a little too mee..."
Thanks Caffy - I hope all is good in Adelaide, I bet it's stinking how down there - I do miss the place!
Lisa wrote: "I love how you fit the word knackered into your review! It's not a word I come across every day."Ahah. That’s obviously because you have never felt completely exhausted in the UK or in Australia, Lisa. 😆
Great review, Mr President. Thanks for reminding me that I still have to read Edith Wharton. ☺️
Pedro wrote: "Lisa wrote: "I love how you fit the word knackered into your review! It's not a word I come across every day."Ahah. That’s obviously because you have never felt completely exhausted in the UK or in Australia, Lisa"
Pedro, I'll be sure to add exhausting traveling to the UK or Australia to my bucket list so as not to be deprived of such an experience. 😉
.....or the word 'knackered' Lisa 😊
@pedro you gotta read her mate, I think you might just like her! 👍
Pedro wrote: "Will do, Mr President. ✌️"Short story - Xingu, is a good start mate :))
Loved reading your review, Mark. Even the name of the town signals how bleak their lives are! There is a good movie adaptation of this starring Liam Neeson from 1993.
My oh my Mark, with Wharton you did it again! I was told this is a pretty bleak novel but I cannot wait to read it anyway now I read your intriguing review and devilishly teasing end note. Another one on the list of books to look out for as no trace of this one in the local library...
Suzy wrote: "Loved reading your review, Mark. Even the name of the town signals how bleak their lives are! There is a good movie adaptation of this starring Liam Neeson from 1993."I will have to watch the movie at some stage Suzy!! I enjoyed your review too - this is an excellent book, and as I say - I'm not sure why I didn't give it 5, you didn't either - I should have :))
Ilse wrote: "My oh my Mark, with Wharton you did it again! I was told this is a pretty bleak novel but I cannot wait to read it anyway now I read your intriguing review and devilishly teasing end note. Another ..."Yes, luckily my local library had this one - I hope you read it one day IIse, I'd really like to read your take on this one. Funny thing is when i first started reading Wharton, I thought her main game was making fun of the chattering classes - well, I think her main game is bleak now. Enjoy, and thanks again :))
Edith will never disappoint. Great review, Mark!
Kevin wrote: "Edith will never disappoint. Great review, Mark!"Thanks so much again Kevin!
Looks like you've sparked more interest in Ethan Frome through your review than he's had in quite a while. Yes, we live in the northern part of the state so we get a few weeks of cold weather-- so some days we run the air conditioner then a front will pass through and we'll have to turn on the heat. Which is exactly what you've accomplished to EF with your review. Best wishes for your reading in 2023 to a friend "down under."
Ms. Wharton is something else, isn't she, MM?