Summer (version 2)


Read by Elizabeth Klett

(4.4 stars; 301 reviews)

Wharton's 1917 novella Summer, like her more famous work Ethan Frome, is set in a very small rural New England town. Charity Royall longs to escape the claustrophobic confines of North Dormer and the inappropriate advances of her guardian Mr. Royall, who adopted her as a child from the nearby Mountain community. Hope arrives in the form of city boy Lucius Harney, who has come to research the architecture of the region; but will his presence in Charity's life mean her salvation - or her undoing? (Introduction by Elizabeth Klett) (5 hr 41 min)

Chapters

Chapter 1 16:40 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 2 18:05 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 3 11:13 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 4 7:51 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 5 17:21 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 6 25:32 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 7 23:29 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 8 19:07 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 9 20:44 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 10 15:55 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 11 18:54 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 12 23:36 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 13 13:00 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 14 14:04 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 15 30:25 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 16 25:48 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 17 17:42 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Chapter 18 22:05 Read by Elizabeth Klett

Reviews


(5 stars)

Definitely the most fascinating story by Edith Wharton that I have listened to so far! It touches on so many topics, and many in a far more frank and unexpected way than usual for the time. The main character was so real, and such a study of a petulant teen. The ending was certainly not what I wanted or expected. Spring, summer and autumn were followed in a bold yet subtle change in personality and setting. Really a fascinating story and I can't sum up my thoughts properly. Perfectly read, as always.


(4.5 stars)

I quickly got lost in this story. Charity carries such angst, is so discontented with herself, with life. She's so angry, so insecure, & so willful. It seems like she can never allow herself to just be, but must always contend with something or someone. I'm not sure whether I like the ending or hate it. I probably hate it, but for personal reasons & not because of the story itself. I'm glad that she retrieved her pin & her reasons for doing so.

A Favorite


(5 stars)

This is one of my favorite Edith Wharton books. There are many reasons I could list but just can't quite find the right words for. And, as always, Elizabeth Klett brings such pathos to the story in the recording. It's always well-done.


(5 stars)

Wonderful reading by E. Klett. Sharon's writing is so atmospheric with a proper feeling of emptiness. There seems to be a lot of symbolism that I missed but I think that I picked up on the ones regarding Annabelle Batch.


(5 stars)

Elizabeth is is one of the best narrators out there. she gives life to any story. As far as the story, the end was ridiculous. I didn't give my 5 stars for the storyline. it is for the narrator

Excellent Reader, but didn't like story at all.


(4 stars)

The story seemed promising, but it eventually sunk down into a depressing slough, continuing it's descent until it's dark and unhappy ending.

Once again sad ending


(5 stars)

I can't believe how shity some men are and others who seem as jerk actually come through. But over all sad ending but great story

Good and sad ending


(4 stars)

I liked the book. Elizabeth Klett is a great reader! If you like not-so-happy but still endearing endings, this is a great listen!