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The children cover

The children

By Edith Wharton
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About This Book

A reserved, middle-aged man returning from long work abroad notices a young married couple and their numerous children and finds himself drawn back into social ties he had thought finished. Renewed acquaintance with the family pulls him into their domestic life, confronting him with the practical and emotional demands of childcare and family management. The narrative follows shifting relationships and commitments as the adults negotiate responsibility, affection, and social expectations. It quietly probes themes of aging, duty, and the contrast between adult ambitions and children's needs, showing how small decisions reshape personal loyalties and everyday life.

About the Author

Wharton, Edith portrait

Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer, known for her keen observations of the American upper class and her exploration of social mores. Her most celebrated work, "The Age of Innocence," won the Pulitzer Prize in 1921 and reflects her critical perspective on the constraints of society. Wharton's literary contributions extend to various genres, including novels, poetry, and travel writing, with notable titles such as "Ethan Frome" and "A Motor-Flight Through France." Throughout her career, she adeptly navigated themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, establishing her as a significant figure in American literature.

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