Sanctuary

“Sanctuary” by Edith Wharton is a compelling psychological novel that explores whether moral character is inborn or shaped by environment. The story centers on Kate Orme, who discovers a dark secret about her fiancé, Denis, as her marriage to him approaches. She becomes painfully aware of Denis’s flawed morality and does everything in her power to instill in their son the highest moral code. The narrative spreads itself over two generations and two men’s moral dilemmas.