Edith Wharton's novel reworks the eternal triangle of two women and a man in a strikingly original manner. When about to marry the beautiful and conventional May Welland, Newland Archer falls in love with her very unconventional cousin, the Countess Olenska. The consequent drama, set in New York during the 1870s, reveals terrifying chasms under the polished surface of upper-class society as the increasingly fraught Archer struggles with conflicting obligations and desires.

The first woman to do so, Edith Wharton won the Pulitzer Prize for this dark comedy of manners which was immediately recognized as one of her greatest achievements.

Why You Should Read?

• Explores compelling themes and rich character development
• Reveals terrifying chasms under the polished surface of upper-class society.
• Showcases a dark comedy of manners, offering a unique perspective on societal hypocrisy.
• Provides a critical examination of societal expectations and the constraints they place on individuals.

About the Author

Edith Wharton is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist and short story writer, celebrated for her insightful portrayals of upper-class American society. Her keen observations of social dynamics and intricate character development are hallmarks of her work. Wharton's writing often explores themes of societal constraints, individual desires, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Her meticulous prose and ability to capture the nuances of human relationships have established her as a major figure in American literature.