In my view, 'The Custom of the Country' is a great one. It shows how a young, ambitious woman, Undine Spragg, navigates different social circles in America and Europe. Wharton's writing in this novel is sharp and incisive, and it gives a great insight into the cultural differences and the power dynamics within different social strata.
For me, 'The Age of Innocence' is the best. It has an engaging plot that revolves around a love triangle set against the backdrop of a very formal and traditional society. The characters are well - developed, and you can really get a sense of the constraints they face due to their social standing.
One of the top contenders for Edith Wharton's best novel is 'The Age of Innocence'. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921. The novel shows how the social norms of the time can suffocate individuals, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. The characters are well - drawn, and the descriptions of the high - society life in New York are both fascinating and a bit horrifying in their rigidity.
Many consider 'The Age of Innocence' to be one of her best novels. It beautifully portrays the upper - class society in New York during the Gilded Age. The story is filled with complex characters, such as Newland Archer, who is caught between his love for Ellen Olenska and the rigid social norms of his class. Wharton's detailed descriptions of the social mores and the inner turmoil of the characters make this novel a classic.
Some might argue that 'The House of Mirth' is her best work. This novel is a scathing critique of the upper - class society. It follows the life of Lily Bart as she navigates the social world filled with gossip, manipulation, and the struggle to maintain her status. Wharton's writing in this book is sharp and incisive, making it a remarkable piece of literature.
One of the best is 'The Age of Innocence'. It beautifully depicts the upper - class society in New York. The story of Newland Archer, his love for Ellen Olenska and the social constraints they face is both poignant and thought - provoking.
You could start with 'Ethan Frome'. It's a relatively short novel compared to some of her others. It's a powerful story set in a rural New England setting. It gives you a sense of Wharton's ability to create a vivid and somewhat bleak atmosphere while exploring themes of love, regret, and the inescapability of one's situation.
Some of Edith Wharton's best novels include 'The Age of Innocence'. It beautifully portrays the upper - class New York society in the 19th century, exploring themes of love, social expectations, and the constraints of a rigid class system. Another great one is 'Ethan Frome', which is a rather tragic tale set in a rural New England environment, delving into themes of unfulfilled desires and the harshness of life.
One of the best is 'Afterward'. It's a chilling tale that plays with the idea of a haunting that becomes evident only 'afterward'. The sense of unease and the slow revelation of the supernatural elements make it a classic among her ghost stories.
As a professional web novel recommendation expert, I can't think that a particular novel is the best because everyone's tastes and preferences are different. However, I can list some of the more popular and recommended novels based on the public response and recommendation rate. I hope that they can satisfy your reading needs: You are always the best in the world, The New Chu Wind and Clouds, The Legend of the Wind Tower with Broken Feathers, I Only Want to Trust My Heart, and so on. I hope you like this fairy's recommendation. Muah ~😗
Some of her best short stories include 'Roman Fever'. It's a story that delves into the complex relationships between two women and the secrets they hold. The setting in Rome adds an interesting backdrop to the tale of jealousy and long - hidden truths.
Another excellent one is 'The Other Two'. This story delves deep into the complexities of marriage and the pasts that people bring into relationships. Wharton masterfully shows how the main character has to deal with her husband's former relationships in a society where reputation matters a great deal.