Reviews

The Awakening: And Other Stories, by Kate Chopin

pat28's review against another edition

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reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

helenapocis's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

3.5

treads1325's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-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

3.75

commander_morgan's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective

4.5

4.5 for the Awakening only. The short stories fell a little short for me, but I absolutely loved The Awakening. 

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stephanieroc's review against another edition

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reflective medium-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

3.5

raypuffle's review against another edition

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4.0

While I liked the novel my favourite part of this collection was the short stories. I found myself invested and caring about these characters after only a few pages. The characters seemed to leap off the page and demand your attention. I felt the authenticity of their loves, their heart breaks and their lives. I'm so glad I finally read this.

beccabookworm's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0


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lovethethief's review against another edition

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5.0

“’ The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong winds. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth.’”

I first "read" this book in my AP Literature class. The only thing I could remember is the last chapter. Now reading this for women and literature class, I've found a new appreciation for Kate and Edna. I fully enjoy how Kate uses symbolism and imagery to further Edna’s story and her awakening. I found myself feeling empathy for a fictional woman from the nineteenth century. I put myself in Edna’s shoes and understand her pain. I understood Edna’s feelings and behavior. I couldn’t imagine living in a time when I wasn’t socially allowed to be myself, independent, or free. It was only when Edna saw she had a choice to not have a choice when she, in the spur of the moment, decided her fate. I don’t think Edna was a coward when she commits suicide. It was brave of her either. She finally had a choice that wouldn’t hurt her standing in society.

courtneyinthemoon's review against another edition

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dark sad fast-paced

3.0

occultmemorysystem's review against another edition

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5.0

The Awakening itself I really liked a lot, if not exactly loved. I liked the sort of dreamy way it's written, and it's impossible not to admire Chopin for writing this way in 1899. The main thing that kept me from loving it is just a personal thing where I didn't really click with any character in particular. But still, I really liked it. Her short stories were more hit and miss for me; the ones I loved I really loved; the ones I was meh about I was meh about. Favorites: "The Story of an Hour," "Desiree's Baby," "A Pair of Silk Stockings," "A Respectable Woman."