The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
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
Graphic: Sexism, Racial slurs, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Infidelity, Misogyny, and Racism
Minor: Alcohol
ameliez's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Slavery and Infidelity
theangelssing's review against another edition
I had to read the awakening for my English literature course but it was already enough for me. I don't want to go any further in this book. Maybe the other short stories are better but the awakening didn't give me the want to read more of Kate Chopin's work.
I didn't like the cheating plot. Edna wanted to be free but she wasn't free. She was captive of her own desire and feelings for Robert. Cheating didn't let her be more free. It's sad that the only way she had to be really free was to die.
it's a 2/5 for me.
it's a 2/5 for me.
Graphic: Infidelity, Death of parent, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Alcohol
dee_dreams's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Awakening features a frustrating, unrelatable, though somewhat sympathetic heroine whose story is made entertaining through Chopin's rich, colorful, page-turning prose. Replete with words like "befurbelowed" and French phrases, & set within a dreamy picture of 19th-century Louisiana, it goes at soap opera pace. The plot is as entertaining as it is stimulating, watching how women's role in society has both changed and not changed. The way that characters of colors are left nameless and reduced to only descriptions of their skin is repugnant, as is the heroine's enormous privilege. Much of the dialog is comically overdramatic. I found it charming. The realism of many passages is natural and makes it a joy to read. I found myself thoroughly entertained overall but deeply disappointed with the ending.
Graphic: Infidelity and Suicide
Moderate: Racism and Racial slurs
commander_morgan's review against another edition
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.
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Racism and Racial slurs
caribbeangirlreading's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
I first read The Awakening in college and remembered it as a bold feminist story. I am now here, re-reading 30 years later and am happy to see that this novel stands the test of time. If anything, I now have a much more nuanced understanding of Edna Pontellier and what led her to make the choice she made. Edna Pontellier, I see you.
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexism, and Suicide
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Racism
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