Summer

Set in New England, the story follows Charity Royall's journey of sexual awakening amidst the harsh realities of her life, including the cruel treatment from her child's father. It explores themes of desire and societal constraints, sharing plot similarities with Wharton's more famous work, Ethan Frome. Initially met with moderate acclaim, the novel has gained critical appreciation since the 1960s, highlighting Wharton's nuanced exploration of complex emotions and relationships.