The Valley of Decision by Edith Wharton, Fiction, Literary, Fantasy, Classics

Set in eighteenth-century Italy, the narrative explores the clash between Enlightenment thinkers influenced by Rousseau and Voltaire and the traditional religious authorities. Wharton delves into the consequences of challenging societal norms, revealing her recurring theme that defying personal conventions often leads to significant repercussions. The tension between progressive ideas and orthodox beliefs drives the story, highlighting the struggles of individuals caught in this ideological conflict.