I read this book a few months ago and fell in love with Chopin's realistic, flowing prose- a treasure of a novel amidst some of the stuffier (in my opinion) works of the time. I found this at a library sale and snatched it up-- 50 cents well spent.

from back cover:
THE MOTHER-WOMEN
"It was easy to know them, fluttering about with extended protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary threatened their precious brood. They were women who idolized their children, worshipped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels."

It was the summer of Edna Pontellier's twenty-eighth year and as she watched all the mother-women surrounding her on the beach, she vowed not to be one of them and acknowledge the dire needs and deep yearnings within herself that were unfulfilled by marriage and motherhood.

The Awakening . . . is the compelling story of a surprisingly modern woman trapped in a dehumanizing marriage and struggling to establish herself as an individual- now regarded as a clasic in American fiction.

Being sent as a trade to gelibeli tomorrow. Enjoy!

Received the book via regular mail from Czersk. Thanks so much! I'm looking forward to reading it. :D

I first read "The Awakening" in high school. Once I started reading the first few pages, I felt the emotions that had stirred in me back then (about eleven years ago) -- a woman who is trapped within societal norms who, although realizing that she can break free, chooses to give up the "good fight" and commits suicide. A profoundly moving story, even in today's society, where woman are, in comparison, more independent.

This book is on its way to Lisa G. in MN! :)