Ethan Frome is a novella written by Edith Wharton in 1911. The story is set in the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, and is a powerful exploration of the human condition, particularly the themes of longing, frustration, and the need for connection. The main character, Ethan Frome, is a deeply unhappy man, trapped in a loveless marriage and a dead-end job, who finds himself drawn to his wife’s cousin, Mattie Silver. The novel is notable for its use of symbolism and imagery, which create a sense of oppression and isolation. The ending of the book is widely considered as iconic and a masterpiece of storytelling which make it a powerful emotional impact on the reader.

Ethan Frome is considered a classic of American literature and is widely taught in high school and college literature classes. Furthermore, it is a fast paced and a compact read, making it accessible for any reader looking for a quick and deep story.