Edith Wharton (1862–1937) wrote carefully structured fiction that probed the psychological and social elements guiding the behavior of her characters. Her portrayals of upper-class New Yorkers were unrivaled. The Age of Innocence, for which Wharton won the Pulitzer Prize in 1920, is one of her most memorable novels. At the heart of the story are three people whose entangled lives are deeply affected by the tyrannical and rigid requirements of high society. Newland Archer, a restrained young attorney, is engaged to the lovely May Welland but falls in love with May's beautiful and unconventional cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska. Despite his fear of a dull marriage to May, Archer goes through with the ceremony — persuaded by his own sense of honor, family, and societal pressures. He continues to see Ellen after the marriage, but his dreams of living a passionate life ultimately cease. The novel's lucid and penetrating prose style, vivid characterization, and its rendering of the social history of an era have long made it a favorite with readers and critics alike.
Oxford Bookworms Series
This series offers a vast selection of titles, ranging from classic to contemporary fiction and non-fiction, tailored for English language learners at every level. Each book is meticulously crafted with controlled language and compelling narratives, ensuring a rewarding reading experience. The core aim is to enhance language proficiency through extensive reading. These stories are designed to be both accessible and engaging, fostering fluency and a love for reading.
A Tale of Two Cities
- 464 pages
- 17 hours of reading
This is Charles Dickens' classic tale of resurrection and redemption set against the backdrop of the French Revolution.