The Valley of Decision by Edith Wharton
QR code
"The Valley of Decision" by Edith Wharton is a novel set during the late 19th century, which explores themes of social class, identity, and the struggles faced by those in lower social standings. The story revolves around Odo Valsecca, a young boy with noble ancestry but presently living in poverty. As he navigates the challenges of his upbringing, Odo grapples with his place in a world that often marginalizes him despite his
noble lineage. At the start of the novel, the tranquil yet dilapidated chapel serves as a refuge for the sensitive and introspective Odo, who feels a profound kinship with both the suffering saint depicted in the chapel and the harsh circumstances of his life. The opening chapters introduce Odo's early life at the farm of Pontesordo, under the care of his foster mother Filomena, and outline the disdain he faces from the farm's more privileged inhabitants. The narrative follows Odo through a series of poignant experiences, including the sudden news of his father's death, which alters his world and sets him on a path toward his mother and the nobility he longs to reconnect with. As he adjusts to life in the Duke's palace, Odo's realizations about wealth, privilege, and his familial ties deepen, foreshadowing the internal and external conflicts that will shape his journey. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Download for free
For your e-reader or reading app — Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Calibre etc.
Kindle → Use Send-to-Kindle
Kobo, Nook etc → Transfer via USB
Phone, tablet or computer → Open in a reading app
Other formats & older devices
There may be more files related to this item.
About this eBook
| Author | Wharton, Edith, 1862-1937 |
|---|---|
| Title | The Valley of Decision |
| Credits | Produced by Sue Asscher. HTML version by Al Haines. |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 62.3 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature |
| Subject | Italy -- Fiction |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 4327 |
| Release Date | Aug 1, 2003 |
| Last Update | Dec 27, 2020 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 529 downloads in the last 30 days. |
Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!