Listen as the mystery of Ethan Frome is uncovered by the narrator, who is visiting a small New England town on business. As she says, "I had the story, bit by bit, from various people, and, as generally happens in such cases, each time it was a different story. If you know Starkfield, Massachusetts, you know the post office. If you know the post office you must have seen Ethan Frome drive up to it, drop the reins on his hollow-backed bay, and drag himself across the brick pavement to the white colonnade; and you must have asked who he was." The prologue of 9 Chapters

The night is cold and still as Ethan stands outside the church to watch the party inside. He notices a certain Mattie Silver, but unfortunately for him, so does another young man.

Ethan clearly has some feelings for Mattie, and it seems like he doesn't have any nice feelings for Zeena. His wife. But does Mattie shares his feelings? Does she even know about his feelings? And, more importantly, does Zeena?

Ethan's feelings for Mattie are beginning to be more evident, but can he keep his wife from also recognizing those feelings?

Ethan and Mattie find themselves alone without Zeena for the first time. And yet, her presence is still keeping them in check. Will they be able to enjoy their evening?

Ethan is living in a dream spending time with Mattie by the fireside. But, as with all dreams, he must wake up from this one too quickly. Will Ethan ever be able to express his true feelings?

Ethan has to fix the broken dish, and he wants to get that done before Zeena returns from her trip. But it seems as if the fates might be against him.

Zeena is home. And she has some news that will not be pleasant. What will Ethan and Mattie do with Zeena's discovery and declarations?

Zeena knows about the dish, and she is coldly detached from her punishment of Mattie. Of course, Ethan can't stand to see Mattie disregarded in this manner, so he hatches a plan. But will he have the courage, or the means, to see his plan through?

It's time for Mattie to go, and Ethan is beside himself with helplessness at the situation. But then Mattie comes up with a daring plan. Will they be able to stay together after all?

The story of Ethan and Mattie and Zeena has finally been pieced together. Now, twenty years after the accident, the narrator wraps up all the loose ends for us.