Ethan Frome (Penguin Classics) is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of a harsh New England winter. Authored by Edith Wharton and published in 2005 with an introduction and notes by Elizabeth Ammons, this novel explores themes of despair, forbidden love, and sexual tension. The story follows Ethan Frome, who works his unproductive farm alongside his difficult and suspicious wife, Zeenie. When Zeenie’s vivacious cousin enters their household as a ‘hired girl,’ Ethan finds himself drawn to her, symbolizing the possibility of happiness he has been denied. This narrative, one of American fiction’s finest and most intense, delves into the tragic destinies of this ill-starred trio. Different in tone and theme from Wharton’s other works, Ethan Frome remains a powerful and enduring novel that continues to captivate readers.

For over seventy years, Penguin has been at the forefront of publishing classic literature. With more than 1,700 titles, including this edition of Ethan Frome, the series offers authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes from distinguished scholars and contemporary authors. This edition includes up-to-date translations by award-winning translators, ensuring that readers can engage with Wharton’s masterpiece in its most accessible form.