The Awakening (version 2)

Victorian "feminism"

(3 stars)

tuesdaynext

The reader does a wonderful job and Chopin's writing was adequate, but I had a hard time relating to the neurotic, self-absorbed Edna. I realize that many consider The Awakening a "feminist manifesto", but all I could think of is how much better Edna's life was compared to her servants. Instead of trying to "find herself" by lusting after other men and neglecting her children, perhaps getting involved in charity or community works would have been a better path to self discovery. But then the story would not have shocked Victorian readers and become a classic .

(5 stars)

Jess

One of the best books ever written. Some found it boring, but the book is about the expectations of women in every manner of their life. For example, feeling owned by a husband, how she should “mother” her children, how she should be knitting to have warm items for their children, and find complete happiness in all that along with a box of chocolates. The main character found herself not fitting for her. It’s what others would have considered a happy life. But she yearned for more.

omg

(5 stars)

pandsax

after reading the other comments I was expecting something else, I liked it quite a lot, one of the most interesting ones I've read from its time.

Glad I'm Gen X woman!

(5 stars)

Christine Binder (Stine)

great story with lots of interesting details of various characters. I don't relate on any level except for wanting my own apt and come and go as I please. Having children and staying alive for them vs not staying alive for them is the harsh bottom line but books are not all rosy with happy endings just like life is not. I think this book was probably controversial when published and a long time since. I may have wished for a happier ending or for her to find a magic cave to another world but that's another novel not this one. I appreciate the various emotions Edna felt. it's not about agreeing or disagreeing. it's just going along the ride with her. isn't that what all books are for?

Well read, mixed feelings about the book itself

(3 stars)

Chickadee Yellowfinch

The themes of the book did not appeal to me personally, it had a lot of restlessness and hopelessness and little guidance on how one might find happiness. The main character seemed like a leaf in the wind of her capricious desires but I can sympathize with her feeling of being trapped by duty and routine.

A good story to remind us not to concentrate too much on our own

(4 stars)

Rebecca

I listened to this because EK is one of the best readers on LV. The story is predictable. A wife taken for granted. A husband who worries what everyone will think. The other man. Never a good outcome.

The Awakening review

(2 stars)

Joanna C

I like how the lady read. It is quite fast but you get done with the book so much quicker. The book is kind of boring though. The concept of the story is good but the actual book kind of sucks.

(5 stars)

wyldfyre

I can relate to Edna. I'm sure many women of this time felt this way. You were “owned” by a man-- how else were you to survive? All she really wanted was her freedom and found it in an unfortunate way.