This spare 19th century novel tells the story of Edna Pontellier of New Orleans, who discovers she wants something more out of life. She is married to a prosperous and respectable stockbroker, but takes a lover when her husband is away on business. The story isn't that simple or simplistic, but it's close. Chopin's evocation of place and person leave something to be desired, and takes our understanding of the mores of the time very much for granted.

This doesn't seem like enough of a literary or social transgression to ruin its author's career, but that's what it apparently did. Perhaps it's the lead character's attitude throughout, that was just too much to countenance. Not recommended, not from this quarter. ( )

This subtle writer quietly introduces you to an artistic, independent woman who dares to break free from convention - no matter the cost. ( )

The work discussed is the 1818 first edition of Frankenstein (not to be confused with the 1831 general edition). Critical reviews/comments are highly instructive and very useful when it comes to undertanding the critical issues linked to the novel. ( )

I read this in college and the only part I remembered was the ending. I enjoyed this book. Though ended up skimming parts of it. Its odder than I remember. ( )

Many of you will recall that I have somewhat of a difficult time reading the classics. Very rarely do I actually enjoy one that I read - it’s more like I can sometimes appreciate their value to the world of literature, can understand their popularity - but I don’t normally LIKE reading them, per se. The Awakening, however, I liked. In fact, I’m fairly certain I’ll read it again someday.

I’m not totally sure what exactly about this novel worked for me - definitely the feminism deeply entrenched in the book has something to do with it. This is a book, written in 1899, that specifically defies the roles women were supposed to conform to in that time period. The novel is about, very simply, a woman having an emotional affair on her husband - an affair which causes her to examine her life more closely and realize she is not content being simply a wife and a mother… she wants more. This realization is, obviously, her awakening.

It is actually a very simple story, told in simple but elegant language that draws the reader in and makes it impossible not to care about Edna and what happens to her. Suffice it to say, I liked the novel quite a bit and would absolutely recommend it as a relevant and readable classic. ( )