I wrote a paper on this book for my American Realism and Naturalism class, and it was certainly interesting to delve into various aspects of feminism while exploring how her womanhood affected Edna throughout the work. That being said, I did not really like this book, and I certainly did not agree with Edna's conclusions. However, if was helpful for gaining perspective on women who really struggle over these issues in feminism, even today. ( )

http://joriesreads.wordpress.com/2008/08/19/the-awakening-by-kate-chopin/ ( )

The person who recommended this book to me is a bit of literature snob; only reading classics and looking down her nose at anything written after the early 1900's. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to enjoy the book as much as I did. It had a light, lyrical prose; fantastic descriptions of Victorian Creole life; as well as a quick and easy pace. I found myself caught up in the story of Mrs. Edna Pontellier, and relating to her, even if her actions were less than noble.

I enjoyed reading the Norton Critical Edition for a few reasons; the historical footnotes were fascinating and helped give context to the content, and reading criticisms from when the book first came out vs. later criticism was also interesting. I'm not sure I would have gotten as much out of the book if I had read a version without these things. ( )

You really want the Norton edition of this book, which includes contemporary essays and reviews. ( )

i've always thought this book lets a girl down in the end a little bit. ( )