The Edith Wharton Library
Books & Literature
About
In The Edith Wharton Library, we open the drawing-room doors of another age and read the novels, tales, and travels in which society’s bright surfaces so often betray a darker design. Here are marriages arranged like treaties, fortunes that tremble at a whisper, and hearts that learn - too late - the cost of propriety. Each episode offers a full-length chapter reading, patiently and plainly delivered, for listeners who prefer their drama civilized, their comedy edged, and their ghosts the sort that appear most often in daylight.
Episodes
- Ethan Frome Chapter 1
Chapter 1 of Ethan Frome is set on a quiet winter night. The protagonist observes a dance and reflects on a spirited houseguest, noting tensions within his marriage and rural life.
- Ethan Frome Prologue
The podcast episode "Ethan Frome Prologue" from "The Edith Wharton Library" focuses on a curious outsider's growing preoccupation with Ethan Frome. Frome's silence is depicted as a result of a life challenged by duty, poverty, and winter.
- The Reef Book 5 Chapter 39
In this chapter, Anna seeks out Sophy Viner but instead encounters Mrs. McTarvie-Birch, whose unconventional lifestyle and surprising news cast doubt on Anna's hopes. Anna is left to contemplate shifting loyalties and departures.
- The Reef Book 5 Chapter 37
In this episode, Anna and Darrow travel to Paris, experiencing complex emotions and loyalties. They have a subdued meeting with Owen, who is about to depart, reflecting the fragile connections between them.
- The Reef Book 5 Chapter 38
In Chapter 38 of 'The Reef,' Anna grapples with the silent knowledge and unspoken tensions that have emerged between her, Owen, and Darrow. Set during stormy Parisian evenings, she navigates the complex feelings of love, memory, and the pa…
- The Reef Book 5 Chapter 36
In Chapter 36 of 'The Reef,' Anna and Darrow confront difficult truths and unspoken feelings. They reflect on their shared past while facing an impending separation in an intimate setting.
- The Reef Book 5 Chapter 35
In Chapter 35 of "The Reef," Anna confronts the need to let go of a cherished hope, looking back on past regrets. An intimate, melancholy afternoon with Darrow is marked by unspoken affection and a sense of impending farewell.
- The Reef Book 5 Chapter 33
Chapter 33 of "The Reef" explores Anna Leath's internal conflict as she navigates complex emotions and uncertainties within her relationships, finding a temporary refuge in Givre.
- The Reef Book 5 Chapter 34
Anna and Darrow navigate unspoken tensions and reflections on their past and present affections during a morning at Givre. Their interaction is marked by lingering memories and a sense of uncertainty.
- The Reef Book 5 Chapter 32
In this chapter, Anna meets Darrow in her Paris apartment, discussing their past. The unexpected arrival of Owen shifts the dynamic, leading to revelations as they prepare to leave.
- The Reef Book 5 Chapter 31
Chapter 31 of The Reef features a tense encounter between two women grappling with complex emotions. The conversation touches upon love, hope, and despair, highlighting a plea for understanding amidst an uncertain future.
- The Reef Book 5 Chapter 30
In Chapter 30 of "The Reef", Anna Leath retreats to a Parisian apartment after her step-son's secret departure. She grapples with her conflicting feelings of sorrow, duty, loyalty, and loss.
- The Reef Book 4 Chapter 29
This episode details a poignant encounter between Anna and Darrow as they face painful revelations and unspoken truths. Their exchange highlights the deep fractures in their shared past, marked by pride and despair.
- The Reef Book 4 Chapter 27
The Edith Wharton Library presents The Reef Book 4 Chapter 27, where Darrow and Anna engage in a delicate conversation. Tender confessions are made, misunderstandings dissolve, and a fragile hope for reconciliation emerges.
- The Reef Book 4 Chapter 28
Chapter 28 of The Reef sees Anna grappling with a life-altering secret and meeting with Sophy Viner. Their conversation is marked by unspoken tensions, tender confessions, and a haunting impression.
- The Reef Book 4 Chapter 26
This episode covers Chapter 26 of "The Reef," detailing a fraught conversation between Darrow and Sophy Viner. The discussion uncovers complex emotions and the inescapable echoes of their past.
- The Reef Book 4 Chapter 25
In The Reef Book 4, Chapter 25 of The Edith Wharton Library, Anna enlists Darrow's aid to speak with Sophy. She hopes to untangle suspicions and soothe wounded pride by addressing a troubling silence.
- The Reef Book 4 Chapter 23
Chapter 23 of "The Reef" details Sophy Viner's urgent desire to leave Givre, creating tension with Owen and drawing Anna into the household's fragile confidences.
- The Reef Book 4 Chapter 24
Chapter 24 of 'The Reef' features a sudden confrontation that reveals hidden tensions and suspicions within the household. The arrival of a composed visitor juxtaposes the intensity of accusations, creating an atmosphere of unresolved ques…
- The Reef Book 3 Chapter 21
Miss Adelaide Painter's arrival in Chapter 21 of The Reef disrupts the household, affecting Owen and Sophy Viner's engagement and Madame de Chantelle's views. Darrow observes the clash between American and French social dynamics.
- The Reef Book 3 Chapter 22
Chapter 22 of 'The Reef' depicts the complex emotional landscape of Darrow and Anna's engagement and impending marriage at Givre. The narrative captures subtle family interactions, reflections on the past, and the blending of hopes for the…
- The Reef Book 3 Chapter 19
Chapter 19 of "The Reef" finds Darrow confronting unsettling truths about Sophy Viner as dusk falls. Madame de Chantelle urges him to act regarding her grandson, leaving Darrow conflicted between his obligations and the need to address the…
- The Reef Book 3 Chapter 20
Chapter 20 of 'The Reef' features a conversation between Darrow and Sophy on a rainy afternoon, exploring doubts about her impending marriage and the complex emotions involved.
- The Reef Book 3 Chapter 17
Chapter 17 of The Reef explores the subtle tensions and unspoken dynamics between Darrow and Sophy Viner at Givre. The narrative highlights the complexities of trust and past relationships through their interactions.
- The Reef Book 3 Chapter 18
This episode covers Chapter 18 of 'The Reef,' Book 3. It depicts a gathering where unspoken understandings hint at deeper currents, and Anna reflects on her happiness while navigating considerations of trust and disclosure.
- The Reef Book 2 Chapter 15
Chapter 15 of The Reef, Book 2, finds Darrow seeking solace and clarity in nature and study. He grapples with his unsettling thoughts and Miss Viner's profound desperation, which forces him to confront a complex sense of duty.
- The Reef Book 2 Chapter 16
In this chapter, a peaceful domestic evening unfolds with family and friends sharing confidences over tea. Anna Leath attempts to discover the truth about Miss Viner's past before her departure, a subject important to her and Effie.
- The Reef Book 2 Chapter 14
Chapter 14 of 'The Reef,' Book 2, finds Darrow visiting the Leath household, observing the genteel yet tense atmosphere, Madame de Chantelle's prejudices, and the family's social dynamics. The episode highlights the subtle tensions beneath…
- The Reef Book 2 Chapter 13
Chapter 13 of The Reef features Darrow reflecting on his connection with Anna Summers. The arrival of Owen Leath and his family sets the stage for them to face future challenges together.
- The Reef Book 2 Chapter 12
In Chapter 12 of Book 2 of "The Reef," Anna and Darrow walk through a garden, discussing their future and responsibilities. Anna finds self-acceptance and assurance of love.
- The Reef Book 2 Chapter 11
In Chapter 11 of "The Reef," Book 2, Anna and Darrow walk through her family estate. They reflect on past misunderstandings and affirm the seriousness of their present relationship.
- The Reef Book 2 Chapter 9
In Chapter 9 of The Reef, Book 2, Mrs. Leath returns to her home at Givre. She experiences a poignant awakening as she contemplates her life, caught between social expectations and personal desires, reflecting on the past and present.
- The Reef Book 2 Chapter 10
This episode covers Chapter 10 of Book 2 of 'The Reef'. Mrs. Leath contemplates her relationship with her step-son Owen, observing traits inherited from his father and absent mother. An unspoken understanding about the future passes betwee…
- The Reef Book 1 Chapter 7
Chapter 7 of 'The Reef' details Darrow's confession of withholding a letter and his offer of companionship to a young woman. Their conversation explores trust and generosity between two solitary individuals.
- The Reef Book 1 Chapter 8
Chapter 8 of The Reef finds George Darrow confined by rain to his lodgings. His solitary thoughts are interrupted by a mysterious letter, leading him to an impulsive action.
- The Reef Book 1 Chapter 5
Chapter 5 of The Reef follows Darrow's evening as he anticipates a letter that doesn't come. He instead spends a thoughtful night at the theatre with Miss Viner, observing their subtle connection.
- The Reef Book 1 Chapter 6
Chapter 6 of 'The Reef' explores contrasting perceptions during an afternoon at the Théâtre Français, where a young man and his companion experience the play and their relationship differently.
- The Reef Book 1 Chapter 3
In this chapter of The Reef, a young woman contemplates her past during a train journey while George Darrow observes her character and reflects on fate and memory.
- The Reef Book 1 Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of 'The Reef' follows a newly arrived American woman in Paris under Darrow's informal guardianship. The episode explores her evolving situation, contrasting her hopeful yearning with Darrow's cautious reflections amidst the city'…
- The Reef Book 1 Chapter 1
George Darrow reflects on his relationship with Mrs. Leath while stranded on a pier in poor weather. He encounters a young American woman in distress and seeks shelter with her, leading to curiosity about their past connection.
- The Reef Book 1 Chapter 2
In Chapter 2 of 'The Reef,' a meeting with the spirited Miss Viner uncovers the veiled aspects of society. Their discussion, filled with recollections and disclosures, hints at future possibilities tinged with both hope and doubt.
- Tales of Men and Ghosts - The Letters, part II
Lizzie West deals with the return of Vincent Deering and the discovery of unopened letters, forcing her to confront tensions regarding love and loyalty in her home. This episode continues the exploration of Tales of Men and Ghosts.
- Tales of Men and Ghosts - The Letters. part I
This episode explores a quiet narrative of affection and longing between a teacher and an artist, initiated through secret meetings and letters. The story details the challenges faced by the teacher as she contends with unrealised hopes an…
- Tales of Men and Ghosts - The Blond Beast
This episode explores the story of a young man starting a new role, who faces moral and ethical challenges. The narrative unfolds amidst wealthy characters and their differing views on goodness and duty.
- Tales of Men and Ghosts - Afterward
The episode "Afterward" from "Tales of Men and Ghosts" on The Edith Wharton Library follows Mary Boyne as she moves to an old Dorsetshire house and encounters a ghost. The spectral presence and her husband's disappearance reveal deeper sec…
- Tales of Men and Ghosts - The Legend
This episode explores the arrival of a silent stranger named Winterman, who captivates a group of friends. His mysterious presence and ideas spark conversations about identity and legacy, creating an aura of intrigue.
- Tales of Men and Ghosts - The Eyes
In "The Eyes," friends share ghost stories, and their skeptical host recounts his own haunting experience with spectral eyes that reappear persistently, blending intellectual curiosity with quiet dread.
- Tales of Men and Ghosts - The Debt
This episode follows a biologist who evolves from a protégé to a challenger of established doctrines, navigating complex personal and professional loyalties. The story delves into the pursuit of truth within a dedicated academic circle.
- Tales of Men and Ghosts - Full Circle
The episode "Full Circle" from The Edith Wharton Library features author Geoffrey Betton seeking help from Duncan Vyse to handle his correspondence after a new book release. Their collaboration highlights the intricacies of friendship, van…
- Tales of Men and Ghosts - The Daunt Diana
The episode