Reviews

I'm not sure how to rate this book. Even though it caused a major stir when published for its frank treatment of a woman's infidelity, and then became a clarion call for feminism more than half a century later, I felt I owed it a read due to her connection to my hometown, Natchitoches, where Chopin lived among the Creole people for many years. There were moments when I felt I completely understood Edna Pontellier, but other times, mostly when she opened her mouth, we were worlds apart. The book provides an educating glimpse into the wealthy Creole life in New Orleans at the turn of the century, but by the end of the story, I felt she abandoned much more than she awakened.

rachelksisk's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I read this for the first time in high school, and had about the same reaction that many seem to have. I felt that Edna was a selfish, weak monster who had no self control over her emotions or actions. I found her affairs disturbing, and her lack of devotion to her children even more so.

But I recently re-read this, as a 24 year old adult and had a completely different reaction. I found myself identifying strongly with Edna's character and being emotionally caught up her in "awakening."

From reading some of the other reviews, I find that many women have that first reaction I spoke of to Edna. Maybe I am alone in feeling that sometimes I just want to break things, or skirt my responsibilities and wander around town alone, and paint instead of doing house work... but I doubt it. I think her desires are common to women (and probably men to sometimes), and the book is about her following every whim and desire that came to her. The results are disastrous, and I would not suggest anyone do this necessarily, but it was very freeing and delightful for me to read about someone else following her impulses and ignoring all the rules of society.

I, for one, found myself admiring Edna. And for those who say Chopin did not mean for the reader to identify with Edna, I think that is absolutely untrue. I do not think she meant for women to follow in her footsteps necessarily, but I do think she created a female character who is selfish, impulsive, introspective, moody, and real. She is a real woman, feeling the feelings that real women feel deep inside, and I find it very interesting that her character still... 100 years later, is still making people very uncomfortable.

madd_eye_moody's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

fleurdelis's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This was an interesting book. I was a bit shocked at the subject matter, based on the time it was written, but then, that mad it even more of a powerful book. You watch this woman’s awakening through the book, brought on by a seemingly innocent flirtation. I’m very much against cheating, but I was able to put that aside, especially when I thought about the trappings of marriage and, basically, being a woman at the time. As a woman, you had very few, if any, options to leave a marriage and even if you did, you risked not having contact with your children and being a complete outcast in society. I was inspired by the main character’s passionate awakening and willingness to take her life into her own hands, even knowing what she was risking, but if you never take a risk, can you really say you’ve lived or gotten to be happy? All in all, a wonderful book IF you can cast off today’s thinking and let yourself dive into the mindset of the day.

More...