Edith Wharton 
A Son at the Front 

In Edith Wharton’s novel A Son at the Front, readers are transported to the tumultuous time of World War I, where a father-son relationship is tested amidst the backdrop of war and societal expectations. Wharton’s writing style effortlessly weaves together themes of duty, honor, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel is a poignant exploration of how war can impact individuals and families, set against the elegant backdrop of Wharton’s impeccable prose and keen observations of human nature. A Son at the Front is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the time period and delves deep into the emotional and psychological impact of war on the individual. Edith Wharton, known for her insightful portrayal of the American upper class, brings her unique perspective to this historical novel, offering readers a window into the human experience during wartime. This book is a must-read for those interested in historical fiction, war literature, and literary works that explore the intricacies of human relationships.

About the author

Edith Wharton, born Edith Newbold Jones on January 24, 1862, in New York City, emerged as a preeminent American writer of the early 20th century. Coming from a wealthy and socially prominent family, Wharton broke barriers in a male-dominated literary world, employing keen social insight and critical acumen in her prolific body of work. Her narratives often dissect the intricacies of society, morality, and personal relationships, set against the backdrops of the upper-class milieu she knew intimately. A Son at the Front, published in 1923, illustrates Wharton’s exploration of World War I’s impact on society and the personal dilemmas faced by her characters. Unlike some of her more renowned novels such as ‘The Age of Innocence’ and ‘Ethan Frome, ‘ this work foregrounds her insight into the ravages of war and its reverberations on family and societal structures. Wharton’s literary style is marked by its careful structure, incisive irony, and meticulous character development, making her fiction both precise and emotionally resonant. Her contribution to literature was recognized with a Pulitzer Prize in 1921 for ‘The Age of Innocence, ‘ making her the first woman to receive this honor. Wharton’s legacy endures through her sixty-plus volumes of novels, short stories, essays, and other non-fiction, solidifying her stature in American letters.