The Fruit of the Tree
by Edith Wharton
Set in the middle of a progressive era in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, the book focuses on hero Justin Brent, a professionally trained nurse who is forced to visit his childhood friend Bessie Westmore, the owner of a wealthy textile factory paralyzed by a horse wreck. When Bessie begs to get out of a life of intense pain and suffering, Justin discusses moral issues and makes the difficult choice to apply a deadly dose of morphine. After Bessie's death, Justine falls in love with her widow and joins him in her efforts to create better conditions for the factory workers. However, questions about Bessie's death haunt their relationship, and Justine learns firsthand about the tragic consequences of social idealism and reform. Filled with plot twists and finely drawn characters, "The Fruit of the Tree" is a must-read for anyone who hasn't been fascinated by Wharton's gorgeous prose.
