Newland Archer, a wealthy young lawyer, is engaged to May Welland, a beautiful and innocent society girl. However, his life is disrupted when he meets Countess Ellen Olenska, May's cousin, who has returned to New York after a scandalous divorce. Despite his initial disapproval of the Countess, Newland becomes increasingly fascinated by her exotic and worldly nature, which contrasts with the conventional and naive May. As Newland struggles with his growing feelings for the Countess, he must confront the societal norms and expectations that govern his life.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1920 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Social Criticism · 34 chapters