The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton (1905)

The second of Wharton’s novels, The House of Mirth also examines upper class New York through the character of a beautiful but somewhat rebellious ingénue who finds it increasingly challenging to find a suitable and acceptable husband. This novel works well as a companion to The Age of Innocence.

• The House of Mirth on SuperSummary

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton (1911)

Departing from her usual characters and setting, Wharton examines rural, working-class characters in this novella. Nevertheless, the novel focuses on Wharton’s typical themes of marginalization, living by the rules of one’s society, and the consequences of self-delusion.

• Ethan Frome on SuperSummary

Summer by Edith Wharton (1917)

This later novel by Wharton marries the rural and the urban, with main characters from both realms. In it, Wharton explores themes of love and women’s rights.

• Summer on SuperSummary