The old maid

About “The old maid”

The Old Maid by Edith Wharton was originally serialized in The Red Book Magazine in 1922. The story centers on Tina, a young woman raised by Delia, her adoptive mother, who is beautiful and socially proper. Tina also has a biological mother, Charlotte, who is plain and unmarried but gave Tina up to ensure her a better life. The three women live together quietly until Tina’s wedding day, when long-held jealousies between Delia and Charlotte come to light. The novella explores themes of class and society. This edition is based on the original magazine publication and includes an introduction by Roxana Robinson.