Reviews with content warning for Suicide - The Awakening and Selected Stories

Reviews tagging 'Suicide'

The Awakening and Selected Stories by Kate Chopin

6 reviews

mattiedancer's review against another edition

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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

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theangelssing's review against another edition

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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.

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dee_dreams's review against another edition

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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.

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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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espringer43's review against another edition

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reflective sad

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

5.0

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caribbeangirlreading's review against another edition

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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.

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