In the lush, summer backdrop of the Massachusetts Berkshires, Edith Wharton’s “Summer” tells the story of Charity Royall, a young woman trapped in an isolated village with her hard-drinking adoptive father. Her life takes a dramatic turn when a visiting architect ignites her sexual passion and dreams of escape. As Charity navigates her complex relationships with her father and lover, Wharton explores themes of repressed sexuality, small-town prejudice, and hints at incest, offering a stark contrast to her usual portrayals of the urban elite.

Why You Should Read?

• Delves into dark cultural themes like repressed sexuality and small-town prejudice.
• Offers a unique departure from Wharton’s typical urban upper-class settings.
• Features a compelling protagonist in Charity Royall, whose journey is both passionate and tragic.
• Part of Penguin Classics, ensuring an authoritative text with insightful introductions and notes.