A Son at the Front

Edith Wharton

Nov 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

Edith Wharton's 'A Son at the Front' is a poignant narrative set against the backdrop of World War I, capturing the complexities of familial bonds and the heartrending choices of war. Through the lens of an American painter in Paris, the novel explores themes of patriotism, parental love, and the societal pressures of the early 20th century. Wharton's mastery of emotional depth and her exquisite prose style offer a penetrating examination of the human condition amid the chaos of conflict, situating her work in the larger context of war literature and providing readers with an intimate portrayal of lives caught in the throes of history. Edith Wharton, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author well recognized for her insights into the American upper class and its mores, draws upon her own experiences living in France during World War I to craft 'A Son at the Front.' Wharton's exposure to the cultural complexities of expatriate life and her observations of the war's impact on individuals and families deeply inform the novel, rendering it an important commentary on the costs of war and the societal constructs of her time. The book is highly recommended to those who appreciate early 20th-century literature, particularly works that delve into the psychological and moral landscape of war. Wharton's nuanced characters and rich storytelling invite readers to reflect on the personal dimensions of historical events and the timeless struggle between duty and personal desire. 'A Son at the Front' remains a relevant and compelling read, offering an intricate look at the interplay between personal conviction and wartime exigency.

About the author

Edith Wharton, born Edith Newbold Jones on January 24, 1862, in New York City, emerged as a preeminent American writer of the early 20th century. Coming from a wealthy and socially prominent family, Wharton broke barriers in a male-dominated literary world, employing keen social insight and critical acumen in her prolific body of work. Her narratives often dissect the intricacies of society, morality, and personal relationships, set against the backdrops of the upper-class milieu she knew intimately. A Son at the Front, published in 1923, illustrates Wharton's exploration of World War I's impact on society and the personal dilemmas faced by her characters. Unlike some of her more renowned novels such as 'The Age of Innocence' and 'Ethan Frome,' this work foregrounds her insight into the ravages of war and its reverberations on family and societal structures. Wharton's literary style is marked by its careful structure, incisive irony, and meticulous character development, making her fiction both precise and emotionally resonant. Her contribution to literature was recognized with a Pulitzer Prize in 1921 for 'The Age of Innocence,' making her the first woman to receive this honor. Wharton's legacy endures through her sixty-plus volumes of novels, short stories, essays, and other non-fiction, solidifying her stature in American letters.