Atrophy is a novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton. It tells the story of a young woman, Mary Chilton, who is struggling to find her place in the world. She is a talented artist, but her family is too poor to support her ambitions. She is also in love with a man who is not suitable for her, and she is torn between her desire for him and her need to make something of her life. The novel follows Mary as she navigates the complexities of her life, from her family’s poverty to her own inner struggles. She is forced to make difficult decisions, and ultimately must choose between her dreams and her obligations. Along the way, she discovers the power of her own strength and resilience. Atrophy is a powerful story of love, loss, and self-discovery. It is a timeless tale of a woman’s journey to find her place in the world, and to make something of her life.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1937 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Drama · 2 chapters