Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

The awakening, and other stories Illustrated by Kate Chopin

7 reviews

duarshe's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Before saying anything I have to clarify that this review is focused on <i>The Awakening</i> alone, since I've not been able to get through all of the short stories yet and what I had to read for class was the novella. So because the rest of the stories were not mandatory I will just review what I needed to read and once I've read everything I'll make an edit or I'll update if my review has changed. 

To be honest I think <i>The Awakening</i> has been one of the most enjoyable readings that I've had to read for class this year so far (together with <i>The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn</i>). Like with any other classic that I read I listened to an audiobook to go faster (since I'm always way behind schedule and need to finish everything ASAP, day in the life of a procrastinator). However, with Kate Chopin's novella I found myself many times pausing the audiobook and reading by myself to enjoy more what the narrator was telling, because I didn't want to skip any details. I love everything that this story has to tell and say, and the important message that it carries, so liberating and awakening (see what I did there?). It was neither too long, nor too ornamented with complicated words and sentences.

I guess the only thing left for me to say is: beware Alcée Arobin, I'm coming for your stupid ass, I don't like you.
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waytoomanybooks's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A review just on The Awakening. I haven’t yet read the short stories.

I’ve been assigned this work twice now, and each time I’ve read it, I’ve loved it and gotten more out of it. It’s always incredible to me when a work from 100+ years ago still resonates so deeply. I hate how much I can empathize with Edna, but I appreciate having her as a character I can look to for comfort, almost, or maybe to feel seen and understood.

However, I can’t and won’t ignore how this narrative and other feminist narratives of this time period have huge issue regarding race and eugenics. Those topics need greater recognition and acknowledgement when early feminist media is discussed. It’s awful to think that these white women were begging for freedom and rights, yet would step on black women, poor women, disabled women, etc. to get where they wanted to be. 

Both of these points of view can exist simultaneously, people!
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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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summermorning's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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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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caidyn's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Some stories were better than others. I thought that the titular story could have been slimmed down a bit because it got pretty repetitive. But, it was good. The short stories were also hit or miss. Désirée's Baby was my favorite one.
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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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