The Choice 1916 By: Edith Wharton (1862-1937)
Edith Wharton's novel, The Choice 1916, presents readers with a thought-provoking and emotional journey through the difficult choices individuals face in times of crisis. Set against the backdrop of the First World War, Wharton masterfully weaves a compelling narrative that explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice. The book introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters whose lives are profoundly impacted by the war. Through their individual stories, Wharton captures the social, political, and moral complexities of the time period. She skillfully depicts the struggles faced by both men and women as they grapple with their personal desires and societal expectations. The protagonist, a young woman named Sarah, becomes the central figure whose choices propel the narrative forward. Her journey of self-discovery and strength is deeply moving, and readers will find themselves easily relating to her dilemmas. Wharton's portrayal of Sarah's inner conflicts is both nuanced and realistic, making her an authentic and relatable character. One of the strengths of the novel lies in Wharton's ability to vividly depict the war-torn landscape and the ensuing chaos. Her attention to detail creates a palpable sense of atmosphere and effectively transports readers to the time and place. The author's extensive research is evident, and her descriptions evoke a strong emotional response, highlighting the horrors of war. Furthermore, the exploration of the choices individuals make during times of crisis is thought-provoking. Wharton skillfully examines the consequences of these choices, often highlighting the personal sacrifices required. The moral dilemmas faced by the characters are presented in a way that forces readers to reflect on their own values and beliefs. However, there are instances where the pacing of the story slows down, particularly in the middle section of the book. Some readers may find these sections somewhat repetitive or overly detailed. Nevertheless, Wharton's beautiful prose and rich character development compensate for any slight lags in the narrative. Overall, The Choice 1916 is a compelling novel that combines historical accuracy with literary brilliance. Edith Wharton's storytelling prowess shines through, illuminating the complexities of human nature and the challenging decisions we face. This book is a moving and thought-provoking read, reminding us of the profound impact our choices can have on both ourselves and those around us. First Page: THE CHOICE By Edith Wharton Copyright, 1916, By Charles Scribner's Sons I Stilling, that night after dinner, had surpassed himself. He always did, Wrayford reflected, when the small fry from Highfield came to dine. He, Cobham Stilling, who had to find his bearings and keep to his level in the big heedless ironic world of New York, dilated and grew vast in the congenial medium of Highfield. The Red House was the biggest house of the Highfield summer colony, and Cobham Stilling was its biggest man. No one else within a radius of a hundred miles (on a conservative estimate) had as many horses, as many greenhouses, as many servants, and assuredly no one else had three motors and a motor boat for the lake. The motor boat was Stilling's latest hobby, and he rode or steered it in and out of the conversation all the evening, to the obvious edification of every one present save his wife and his visitor, Austin Wrayford. The interest of the latter two who, from opposite ends of the drawing room, exchanged a fleeting glance when Stilling again launched his craft on the thin current of the talk the interest of Mrs. Stilling and Wrayford had already lost its edge by protracted contact with the subject. But the dinner guests the Rector, Mr. Swordsley, his wife Mrs. Swordsley, Lucy and Agnes Granger, their brother Addison, and young Jack Emmerton from Harvard were all, for divers reasons, stirred to the proper pitch of feeling... Continue reading book >>

The Choice 1916 By: Edith Wharton (1862-1937)

Edith Wharton's novel, The Choice 1916, presents readers with a thought-provoking and emotional journey through the difficult choices individuals face in times of crisis. Set against the backdrop of the First World War, Wharton masterfully weaves a compelling narrative that explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice.

The book introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters whose lives are profoundly impacted by the war. Through their individual stories, Wharton captures the social, political, and moral complexities of the time period. She skillfully depicts the struggles faced by both men and women as they grapple with their personal desires and societal expectations.

The protagonist, a young woman named Sarah, becomes the central figure whose choices propel the narrative forward. Her journey of self-discovery and strength is deeply moving, and readers will find themselves easily relating to her dilemmas. Wharton's portrayal of Sarah's inner conflicts is both nuanced and realistic, making her an authentic and relatable character.

One of the strengths of the novel lies in Wharton's ability to vividly depict the war-torn landscape and the ensuing chaos. Her attention to detail creates a palpable sense of atmosphere and effectively transports readers to the time and place. The author's extensive research is evident, and her descriptions evoke a strong emotional response, highlighting the horrors of war.

Furthermore, the exploration of the choices individuals make during times of crisis is thought-provoking. Wharton skillfully examines the consequences of these choices, often highlighting the personal sacrifices required. The moral dilemmas faced by the characters are presented in a way that forces readers to reflect on their own values and beliefs.

However, there are instances where the pacing of the story slows down, particularly in the middle section of the book. Some readers may find these sections somewhat repetitive or overly detailed. Nevertheless, Wharton's beautiful prose and rich character development compensate for any slight lags in the narrative.

Overall, The Choice 1916 is a compelling novel that combines historical accuracy with literary brilliance. Edith Wharton's storytelling prowess shines through, illuminating the complexities of human nature and the challenging decisions we face. This book is a moving and thought-provoking read, reminding us of the profound impact our choices can have on both ourselves and those around us.

First Page:

THE CHOICE

By Edith Wharton

Stilling, that night after dinner, had surpassed himself. He always did, Wrayford reflected, when the small fry from Highfield came to dine. He, Cobham Stilling, who had to find his bearings and keep to his level in the big heedless ironic world of New York, dilated and grew vast in the congenial medium of Highfield. The Red House was the biggest house of the Highfield summer colony, and Cobham Stilling was its biggest man. No one else within a radius of a hundred miles (on a conservative estimate) had as many horses, as many greenhouses, as many servants, and assuredly no one else had three motors and a motor boat for the lake.

The motor boat was Stilling's latest hobby, and he rode or steered it in and out of the conversation all the evening, to the obvious edification of every one present save his wife and his visitor, Austin Wrayford. The interest of the latter two who, from opposite ends of the drawing room, exchanged a fleeting glance when Stilling again launched his craft on the thin current of the talk the interest of Mrs. Stilling and Wrayford had already lost its edge by protracted contact with the subject.

But the dinner guests the Rector, Mr. Swordsley, his wife Mrs. Swordsley, Lucy and Agnes Granger, their brother Addison, and young Jack Emmerton from Harvard were all, for divers reasons, stirred to the proper pitch of feeling... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Edith Wharton
Wikipedia – The Choice 1916

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac