kayladaniella's review against another edition
3.0
3/5 stars
I didn't like much about this. I appreciate the time period in which Chopin wrote it and her progressiveness for women, but I just don't really like classics that much. This was required school reading and it was better than usual school reading, but yeah I still didn't really find anything much of value here.
I didn't like much about this. I appreciate the time period in which Chopin wrote it and her progressiveness for women, but I just don't really like classics that much. This was required school reading and it was better than usual school reading, but yeah I still didn't really find anything much of value here.
mattiedancer's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Writing: 4.5⭐️/5
This novel/collection of stories is solidly written. There are more than a few beautiful passages. I found the writing stunning, woven together in a wonderful way, and I always felt drawn into the world. The way Chopin frames Edna’s frustration in her life is beautifully done. I felt drawn into the mental state of this woman through the clarity of the writing, and I appreciated that deeply. I do think that sections were perhaps slower than necessary at times, and that pulled me from the story every once in a while.
Characters: 4.5⭐️/5
The characters are fantastically crafted. Edna in particular felt alive, with her dreams and hopes hanging in the balance as she attempted to discover her true desires. I actually enjoyed the characterization of her husband as well, as he tries (and fails) to understand what’s going on with his wife. My only complaint with the characters is that I would have loved a bit more space and time spent on her and Robert’s relationship.
Plot: 4⭐️/5
It’s a feminist story written potentially well before its time. I enjoyed the flow of events, and I was captivated throughout at various moments. However, a small complaint: I did feel lost at the treatment and story around Edna’s children. I felt like that kept pulling me from the story.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of classics
- Fans of historical books with feminist twists
- Those looking for a read dedicated to characterization and character growth.
Content Warnings?
- Suicide, drowning, infidelity, sexism, racial slurs, racism, alcohol
Post-Reading Rating: 3⭐️/5
The end was a bit mixed for me.
Final Rating: 4.25⭐️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Racial slurs, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Infidelity, Misogyny, and Racism
Minor: Alcohol
carcass_in_bloom's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
dhodgson01's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
summermorning's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Racial slurs, and Misogyny
fannysshelves's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
read this for school but i still really enjoyed it. Edna's development was very interesting and the end of the book definetly made me emotional. I didn't read all the short stories, but i loved some of the ones that i read (especially Desirees baby)
victoriashirey's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
lizzye33's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75