Awakening & Other Stories

The best of Kate Chopin’s powerful feminist short stories, edited and introduced by Dr J. Michelle Coghlan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2018
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The novel "The Awakening" caused a scandal among readers and critics when it was first published due to its bold and pioneering portrayal of feminist themes. However, it is now recognized as one of the earliest and most daring examples of feminist fiction. Presented here is the novel, accompanied by a collection of insightful short stories by Chopin. Dr. J. Michelle Coghlan, a specialist in American literature, has provided an introduction to this edition.

Part of the Macmillan Collectors Library, a series of exquisite, cloth-bound, pocket-sized classics featuring gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These elegant books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book enthusiast.

In "The Awakening," Edna Pontellier, along with her husband and two young children, spends a holiday at a tranquil resort town on the Louisiana Gulf Coast. There, she encounters the charming and unmarried Robert Lebrun, who pursues her. Edna defies societal norms and embarks on an affair that ignites a deep desire within her to break free from her passionless marriage, her children, and the strict conventions of nineteenth-century society.

Through her character's awakening, "The Awakening" explores the complexities of female identity, autonomy, and the struggle against societal expectations. Chopin's writing is characterized by her vivid portrayal of emotions and her exploration of the human psyche. The novel's themes of rebellion, self-discovery, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment continue to resonate with readers today, making it a landmark work in feminist literature.

Weight: 228g
Dimension: 104 x 157 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509854127