The Marne: A Tale of the War (eBook)

Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was a prominent American novelist, short story writer, and designer, who adeptly portrayed the lives and morals of the late 19th-century elite society into which she was born. Born as Edith Newbold Jones into an affluent New York family, Wharton was self-educated from her extensive family library, as educational institutions were not deemed necessary for women of her social standing during that era. Despite these societal restrictions, she became an eminent writer, with a prolific output that included 'The Marne: A Tale of the War,' a poignant novella weaving the horror and heroism of World War I through the experiences of a young American boy in France. Wharton's literary style exemplifies both realism and a piercing examination of the roles and expectations of women in her social milieu. Her writing often reveals her deep understanding of human behavior and the complexities of social structures. Wharton's oeuvre features over 40 books, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning 'The Age of Innocence,' as well as 'Ethan Frome,' and 'The House of Mirth.' Her work remains significant for its critical insight into the societal norms of her time and its influence on the American literary canons, securing her legacy as a key figure in the world of letters. Wharton shattered the confines of traditional women's roles both in her life and through her characters—pioneers of their own lives.