The Children
1928
The Children is a 1928 novel by Edith Wharton that centers on Martin Boyne, a middle-aged engineer who becomes involved with the complex Wheater family, comprised of step-siblings and children of divorced parents. As Boyne navigates the chaotic dynamics of the Wheater clan, he witnesses the impact of modern divorce and remarriage on the children, particularly through the eyes of caretaker Judith and her delicate twin, Terry. The novel explores themes of family, loyalty, and the emotional toll of adult decisions on children, making it a notable work in American fiction of the 20th century.
