The Awakening
The Awakening, originally titled A Solitary Soul, is a novel by Kate Chopin, first published in 1899. Set in New Orleans and on the Louisiana Gulf coast at the end of the 19th century, the plot centers on Edna Pontellier and her struggle between her increasingly unorthodox views on femininity and motherhood with the prevailing social attitudes of the turn-of-the-century American South.
The Awakening
In late 19th-century New Orleans, social constraints are strict, especially for a married woman. Edna Pontellier leads a secure life with her husband and two children, but her restlessness grows within the confined societal norms, and the expectations placed upon her – from her husband and the world around her – create increasing pressure. During a trip to Grand Isle, an island off the coast of Louisiana, her life is turned upside down by an intense love affair, and passion forces her to question the foundations of her – and every woman’s – existence. Kate Chopin's novel The Awakening caused a scandal with its outspokenness when it was published in 1899. The novel’s openly sexual themes and disregard for marital and societal conventions led to it not being reprinted for fifty years. It wasn't until the 1950s that Chopin’s work was rediscovered, and The Awakening received significant acclaim. Today, it is not only seen as an early feminist milestone but also as a classic. KATE CHOPIN [1851–1904] was born in St Louis. She had six children during her marriage, and it wasn't until after her husband's death in 1882 that she emerged as a writer. She published short stories in magazines such as Vogue and The Atlantic, gaining appreciation and recognition for her depictions of the American South. However, she was also criticized for her disregard for social traditions and racial barriers.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin is a seminal work of feminist literature that explores the nuances of women's independence, identity, and self-discovery. Published in 1899, the novel chronicles the life of Edna Pontellier, a wife and mother who embarks on a journey of self-exploration, challenging the societal norms and expectations of her time. The novel is set in the Creole society of Grand Isle, Louisiana, where Edna spends her summers with her husband and two children. The story unfolds as Edna begins to question her role as a wife and mother, feeling increasingly suffocated by the societal constraints placed upon her. She develops a strong desire for personal freedom and independence, which leads her to explore her sexuality and artistic passions. Chopin's writing is characterized by its vivid descriptions of the natural world, which often serve as a metaphor for Edna's emotional state. The author also employs a unique narrative style, shifting between third-person omniscient and limited perspectives, allowing the reader to gain a deep understanding of Edna's inner thoughts and feelings. The novel's themes include the exploration of women's sexuality, the role of marriage and motherhood, and the concept of self-discovery. Chopin presents a nuanced and complex portrayal of these themes, challenging the traditional views of her time and offering a progressive perspective on women's rights and independence. "The Awakening" faced significant criticism upon its initial publication due to its controversial themes and frank depiction of female sexuality. However, it has since been recognized as a classic work of feminist literature, influencing countless authors and inspiring generations of readers. The selected short stories in this collection further showcase Chopin's mastery of storytelling and her ability to explore complex themes with sensitivity and nuance. They offer poignant insights into the human condition, exploring themes of freedom, identity, and societal expectations. In conclusion, "The Awakening and Selected Short Stories" by Kate Chopin is a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature that offers a nuanced exploration of women's independence, identity, and self-discovery. Its themes and messages continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless classic that is well worth reading and studying.
The Awakening
#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts begins a new trilogy of adventure, romance, and magick in The Awakening. In the realm of Talamh, a teenage warrior named Keegan emerges from a lake holding a sword—representing both power and the terrifying responsibility to protect the Fey. In another realm known as Philadelphia, a young woman has just discovered she possesses a treasure of her own... When Breen Kelly was a girl, her father would tell her stories of magical places. Now she’s an anxious twentysomething mired in student debt and working a job she hates. But one day she stumbles upon a shocking discovery: her mother has been hiding an investment account in her name. It has been funded by her long-lost father—and it’s worth nearly four million dollars. This newfound fortune would be life-changing for anyone. But little does Breen know that when she uses some of the money to journey to Ireland, it will unlock mysteries she couldn’t have imagined. Here, she will begin to understand why she kept seeing that silver-haired, elusive man, why she imagined his voice in her head saying Come home, Breen Siobhan. It’s time you came home. Why she dreamed of dragons. And where her true destiny lies—through a portal in Galway that takes her to a land of faeries and mermaids, to a man named Keegan, and to the courage in her own heart that will guide her through a powerful, dangerous destiny...
The Awakening of Miss Prim
In this #1 international bestseller, a young woman leaves everything behind to work as a librarian in a remote French village, where she finds her outlook on life and love challenged in every way. Prudencia Prim is a young woman of intelligence and achievement, with a deep knowledge of literature and several letters after her name. But when she accepts the post of private librarian in the village of San Ireneo de Arnois, she is unprepared for what she encounters there. Her employer, a book-loving intellectual, is dashing yet contrarian, always ready with a critique of her cherished Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott. The neighbors, too, are capable of charm and eccentricity in equal measure, determined as they are to preserve their singular little community from the modern world outside. Prudencia hoped for friendship in San Ireneo but she didn't suspect that she might find love—nor that the course of her new life would run quite so rocky or would offer challenge and heartache as well as joy, discovery, and fireside debate. Set against a backdrop of steaming cups of tea, freshly baked cakes, and lovely company, The Awakening of Miss Prim is a distinctive and delightfully entertaining tale of literature, philosophy, and the search for happiness.
