A friend put me onto The Awakening. He had read it at university and was surprised that I had never taken the time to read it.
To me, The Awakening was a revelation. That American Kate Chopin wrote this kind of novel in the last days of the nineteenth century seemed incredible. Her voice and the subjects of isolation, dissatisfaction, boredom and rebellion seem not of the past but of today.
The great women of nineteenth century fiction had been given complex inner lives, but none, to my knowledge had veered so confidently from the path of accepted behaviour.
None offered an alternative which suggested positive change.
I can only imagine the relief Chopin’s story offered thousands of bright women caught in the claustrophobic world of their day. That the novel can still offer relief now is an indication that we still have far to go on our road to equality.
Grab your copy of The Awakening here
The Awakening
Kate Chopin
First published in 1899 and widely regarded as one of the forerunners of feminist literature, alongside Anna Karenina and Madame Bovary.
Over one long, languid summer Edna Pontellier, fettered by marriage and motherhood, becomes acquainted with Robert Lebrun. As the days shorten and the temperature begins to drop Edna succumbs to Robert’s devotion. But in the thrall of this ever-strengthening desire Edna begins to realise the true extent of her psychological, social and sexual confinement and its devastating consequences for her future. This tender, brilliant … Read More
Grab your copy of The Awakening here
About the Contributor
Anastasia Hadjidemetri
Anastasia Hadjidemetri is the former editor of The Booktopian and star of Booktopia's weekly YouTube show, Booked with Anastasia. A big reader and lover of books, Anastasia relishes the opportunity to bring you all the latest news from the world of books.
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