Summer

Summer is a powerful and emotionally charged novel by Edith Wharton, set in a small New England town at the beginning of the twentieth century. The story follows Charity Royall, a young woman longing for freedom and a life beyond the limitations of her rural community. When she meets Lucius Harney, a charming architect visiting the town, Charity experiences love, hope, and the intoxicating promise of escape. But as their relationship deepens, she must confront difficult choices and the harsh realities of society. Often described as a counterpoint to Wharton’s earlier novel Ethan Frome, Summer explores themes of passion, independence, social constraints, and personal growth. With vivid landscapes and psychological insight, Wharton crafts a deeply human story about desire, responsibility, and self-discovery. A moving classic of American literature.