
The Reef
'The Reef' Summary
George Darrow, an American diplomat residing in London, has remained in contact with his former love, Anna Leath, who previously married another man. Now widowed, she resumes contact with Darrow. Darrow desires to continue the relationship he had with Anna but remains concerned about her commitment to the relationship.
The novel begins with Darrow preparing to join Anna in France when he receives a telegram ordering him to wait "til thirtieth" because of an "unexpected obstacle" - one of many such delays Anna has ordered. Deeply humiliated and disappointed, Darrow boards the boat regardless and runs into the young Sophy Viner, a woman he had previously encountered but never gotten to know thoroughly . Sophy, although down on her luck, is an ambitious aspiring actress determined to start a new life in France. Enthralled, Darrow convinces her to spend a few days with him so he can show her around Paris. During their time spent together, the two enter into a romantic affair.
Months later, Darrow meets Anna at her French country chateau at Givré. They speak of their future and of Anna's stepson Owen, who wishes to marry a woman of whom his grandmother, Dowager Marquise de Chantelle, does not approve. Additionally, Darrow informs Anna of his plans for their future together: he hopes to move to South America together for his job. It is revealed that Anna has hired a governess for her young daughter, Effie. That governess is Sophy Viner.
Sophy, embarrassed by the situation, begs Darrow not to say anything that might jeopardize her employment. Darrow tries to convince Sophy not to marry Owen, and Sophy accuses him of jealousy. Darrow admits to Anna that he knew Sophy already. Anna quizzes him about Sophy, out of concern for Owen, who is engaged to Sophy. Darrow agrees with the Marquise that the union would not be wise.
The Dowager Marquise requests that an old family friend, Adelaide Painter, talk some sense into the family. However, when Adelaide supports the union, the Marquise concedes to her grandson. The road is clear for Owen and Sophy to marry, which also frees the path for Darrow and Anna.
Sophy unexpectedly breaks off the engagement to Owen. Owen becomes suspicious of Darrow's influence over Sophy. The main characters then attempt to figure out what happened by interrogating each other. This part of the novel shows an increase in dialogue, and an unusually high rate of dialogue for Wharton's novels.
Sophy eventually reveals to Darrow that she has loved him since Paris. The affair between Darrow and Sophy is revealed to Anna. Darrow attempts to explain that the affair was short lived, but Anna cannot live with the knowledge and becomes convinced that the revelation destroyed any potential for a future relationship.
Despite the fact that Anna believes herself to be well matched with Darrow, she is unable to overcome her jealousy of Sophy. She becomes obsessed with imagining the time they spent together.
Owen leaves for Spain. Sophy is reemployed by Mrs. Murrett, her previous employer, and moves to India. Anna encounters Sophy's large, slovenly sister and her lover, which gives Anna the perspective that Sophy is not as much of a fallen woman as she originally thought. Anna attempts to convince herself that she should not marry Darrow, but cannot bring herself to do it.
Book Details
Authors

Edith Wharton
United States
Edith Wharton was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer. Wharton drew upon her insider's knowledge of the upper class New York "aristocracy" to realistically portray the lives and mor...
Books by Edith WhartonDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Arcadia in Avernus by Will Lillibridge
Set in the early 1900s, "Arcadia in Avernus" tells the story of a woman who escapes a loveless marriage of convenience. She finds love and starts anew...

Black Cat Vol. 03 No. 01 October 1897 by Various
This volume of "The Black Cat" magazine features a collection of short stories with themes of mystery, crime, and the uncanny. The stories explore var...

Safo by Alphonse Daudet
Safo is a novel by Alphonse Daudet that explores the passionate and complicated relationship between Juan, a young man from the provinces, and Safo, a...

The Way of an Eagle by Ethel M. Dell
Muriel Roscoe has come to India to live with her father, a general. When the fort where they are staying comes under attack, General Roscoe charges th...

Resurrection, Book 2 by Leo Tolstoy
Resurrection is a powerful and moving novel that explores themes of redemption, social injustice, and the hypocrisy of institutionalized religion. It...

Green Mansions: A Romance of the Tropical Forest by William Henry Hudson
"Green Mansions: A Romance of the Tropical Forest" is a narration of his life story by Abel, a Venezuelan, to a comrade. Once a wealthy young man, he...

Ancia Eterna by Júlia Lopes de Almeida
"Ancia Eterna" é uma obra marcante da autora brasileira Júlia Lopes de Almeida. Esta história envolvente leva os leitores a uma jornada através das co...

Juffrouw Lirriper's Legaat by Charles Dickens
Juffrouw Lirriper's Legaat is een collectie van kerstverhalen geschreven door Charles Dickens, met een focus op de levens van gewone mensen in het Vic...

The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel by Emma Orczy
The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel, first published in 1922, is a book in the series about the Scarlet Pimpernel's adventures by Baroness Orczy. Aga...

The Annals of Ann by Kate Trimble Sharber
"The Annals of Ann" by Kate Trimble Sharber takes readers on an enthralling journey into the life of Ann, a woman with a secret so profound, it will l...
Reviews for The Reef
No reviews posted or approved, yet...