In terms of literary quality, this book was nothing less than excellent. It was exceptionally well written; Chopin has an amazing ability to express complex ideas, concepts, and emotions with relatively simple words strung together to form weighty, stirring, and beautiful sentences. The characters and plot are charming, multi-layered, and intriguing, and there were a few scenes in particular that made me very happy, particularly the romantic in me. Kate Chopin keeps the subtle mystery and charm in every word and every page, enthralling the reader while also boldly daring to express powerful and, at the time, highly contrarian ideas about women's rights, their essence as individuals in the world, and how the society at the time sought to stifle that intrinsic spirit and individuality and force women into conforming to predetermined roles and expectations until it seemed almost natural for them. I applaud and respect Chopin, both for her boldness and courage in expressing such ideas during such a sexist time, and for her genius and skill in subtly and seamlessly weaving it into every element of the text.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, right up to its startling ending, which I won't spoil, but can only say I don't know quite how to feel about. You'll have to read it to see what I mean.
Would highly recommend for a lover of classics.