Do you remember the first grown-up novel you ever read?
I do.
It was Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton
And I have never been so frustrated by the end of a book in all the years since.
I was a pre-teen who believed love would always prevail and that life was all about story book happy endings. Was I in for a surprise!
Published long ago (in 1911), this tragic story clearly portrays the struggles of the poor, the frustration of unrequited love, the sadness of human failure and the diabolical tricks of fate. Ethan Frome transmits a realistic intensity that is as current now as in any modern cinematic drama. I was totally mesmerized. I could not put the little book down. I willed it to have a happy ending, and I was hooked on reading. I still love this amazing work of fiction, no matter the frustration of a trio of tragic destinies, and I still have the impulsive urge to rewrite the last pages.
If you have not yet read it, this is the story of a dirt-poor New England farmer (gorgeous handsome man of course), his ailing nagging shrew of a wife , their bleak landscape, the finality of constant misery, and a beautiful “hired girl” (his wife’s vivacious cousin) who arrives to be a housekeeper and who brings joy and hope for happiness into Ethan’s life. It’s the writing that brings everything to life and the writing grabs you, right from the beginning.
Ethan Frome is thought by many to be Edith Wharton’s masterpiece and an American classic. There is a film now too, starring Liam Neeson as Ethan. The movie is as poignant as the book and well worth seeing.
Do you remember the first grown-up novel you ever read? What was it?
Virginia Views 
Unfortunately, I have read so many books that I can’t remember what I read last month let alone what the first adult novel I read was. However, I do remember these old hardcover novels that my mom had on a bookshelf and I remember reading one about Nicholas and Alexandra because I was fascinated by the story of the Romanov family. Something also makes me think I read Anna Karenina. Eow, you’ve really got me thinking back in time now :).
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I read “Ethan Frome” in 9th grade. I thought the whole sledding/suicide thing was dumb… but I didn’t much like Ethan. However, when you say “Liam Neeson” – well, I am certainly willing to give Ethan another go.
My first “adult” book was probably “Jane Eyre” – so romantic, and it is still one of my favorites. I always wished, though, that when Jane returned to Edward, that his wife would be still alive and that she’d choose to live in sin anyway.
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What, no vampires?
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The first grown up book I read was Hawaii by James Michener. I was around 12 or so. My mother didn’t know what was in it or it would have been snatched from me. From there, I started reading all of Michener’s books. I loved following a story through generations. They were fiction with a lose basis on history. There also was a lot of hot sex! Eyow! (at least for that time frame)
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The Nicholas and Alexandra saga fascinated me too. Still does! 🙂
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I don’t think I even knew it was a suicide sledding incident until the last minute, so the ending was a total shock. Still is.
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I’m afraid to read about vampires. I might wind up liking them like you do! 🙂
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Agh! Not! I have enough nightmares!
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Wow! Hawaii was a might big first grown up book. Actually, I have suddenly recalled an even earlier grown up book I read. It was called “The Stork Didn’t Bring You,” and was my Mom’s answer to my birds and bees questions. You reminded me of that when you said your Mom would have “snatched” the book, Hawaii, from you. No hot sex allowed in my house either. 🙂
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I can’t remember back that far – too old ! 🙂
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Uh Oh! 🙂
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