Can you recommend some of the best Wharton novels?

'The Custom of the Country' is also considered one of her best. It follows the life of Undine Spragg, a social climber. Wharton uses this character to critique the shallowness of the upper class and the cut - throat nature of society.

One of the best Wharton novels is 'The Age of Innocence'. It beautifully depicts the upper - class society in New York during the Gilded Age, exploring themes of love, social expectations, and the constraints of propriety.

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.

Well, 'Xingu' is a great choice too for a beginner. It's short and humorous. You don't need a lot of prior knowledge to understand the satirical elements in it. It can be a fun and easy introduction to Wharton's work as it shows her ability to create engaging and thought - provoking stories in a concise way.

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.

It's a bit hard to rank them strictly in order of popularity as it can vary over time. But 'The Age of Innocence' is often considered one of her most popular. It won the Pulitzer Prize, which gives it a high profile. 'Ethan Frome' is also very well - known. Then there's 'The House of Mirth', which was widely read when it was first published and still has a large following today. 'The Custom of the Country' is also quite popular among Wharton enthusiasts.

Another interesting one is 'The Lady's Maid's Bell'. It creates a spooky atmosphere with its elements of the supernatural and the unknown. The story builds tension through the experiences of the maid who starts to notice strange happenings in the house.

'Xingu' is yet another remarkable Wharton short story. It's a satirical piece that pokes fun at the pretentiousness of a certain social clique. The women in the story are so concerned with appearing cultured and in - the - know that they create a whole fiasco around a book that hardly any of them have actually read. It's a clever commentary on the shallowness of some social groups.

One of the most famous Wharton novels is 'The Age of Innocence'. It offers a vivid portrayal of the upper - class society in New York during the late 19th century. The characters are complex and the story delves deep into themes of love, social expectations, and the constraints of propriety.

One of the well - known Wharton novels is 'The Age of Innocence'. It offers a profound look at the upper - class society in New York during the Gilded Age, exploring themes of love, social norms, and the constraints of propriety.