Sometimes it’s best for an author to introduce his or her own story; sometimes it isn’t. Is it better to have a dispassionate eye trained on the story to unearth hidden meanings and perspectives, or is it the author who knows the tale best? Here is Edith Wharton’s introduction to Ethan Frome, her classic short novel.

Has she expanded upon a readers’ view, or complicated the spare, haunting tale? An argument can be made for either side. What do you think?

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I had known something of New England village life long before I made my home in the same county as my imaginary Starkfield; though, during the years spent there, certain of its aspects became much more familiar to me. Read More→