The Awakening, originally titled 'A Solitary Soul' is a novel by Kate Chopin, first published in 1899. It is widely seen as a landmark work of early feminism.
Edna Pontellier, her husband Leonce and their two sons are vacationing in a resort at Grand Isle. She befriends Madame Ratingolle and Mademoiselle Reisz. Madame Ratingolle is an epitome of motherhood who devote her entire being to the care of her children, husband and household. Mademoiselle Reisz is a pianist, eccentric and lives alone. She also befriends Robert Lebrun, a son of the resort owner. Edna and Robert walk and relax in the beach. Edna feels more alive while she is with Robert and realizes that she had been miserable with her husband. Edna falls in love with Robert. Robert leaves Grand Isle telling everyone that he has to seek his fortune in business. Edna is hurt with Robert's sudden departure. When Edna returns to New Orleans, she withdraws from the duties traditionally associated with motherhood. Leonce consuslts a doctor about Edna's behavior, who advises to leave her alone for a while. Leonce sends the boys to his mother, and goes to NewYork on a business. Edna's newfound freedom makes her to move out of the house and she settles in a small bungalow nearby. She meets Robert accidentally and makes him to confess his love for her. Before they decide about their future, she is called to assist Madame Ratingolle's delivery. When she returns, she finds that Robert has left once for all leaving a goodbye note. She neither wants to hurt her children nor willing to go back to her miserable life with Leonce, decides to end her life and travels to Grand Isle and walks to the ocean.
Chopin's writing is lucid and poetic. I would definitely love to read it again.
