Glimpses of the Moon

Originally published in 1922, Glimpses of the Moon is a novel about marriage concentrating on the relationship between Nick and Sue Lancing, a couple hindered by a lack of wealth and the consequent necessity of relying on friends and acquaintances to support a life in high society. Nick is a writer struggling to make ends meet while Sue is left to meet their needs through the generosity of others.

Their marriage teeters on the stated understanding that if either of them finds a better opportunity – if they meet somebody with better prospects – then an uncontested divorce might follow. Naturally this creates problems, but it also enables Wharton to develop ideas about what a marriage should entail and what makes it vital.