| Awakening - Kate Chopin I know, I know. It's been heralded again and again as one of the best books of the century. But as literature, I find it problematic. Historically, it is a landmark. It is a woman writing clearly, honestly, and powerfully about women's identity in a time when that wasn't only NOT the fad it's become, but it just wasn't done. So it gets major kudos for that, for being a fresh voice a hundred years ago and still having some relevance today. Few books can do that. But as literature, it's problematic. The spirituality of Edna's awakening is often way heavy-handed. The journey of discovery she takes is simple -- maybe oversimple(Her husband and children conveniently go away at just the appropriate moment for her continued growth.) And philosophically, it throws grand hints at things without ever coming down on anything. The ending, besides being just plain too fast, is either poignant or disappointing. I felt unsatisfied. If you want a historical landmark, read this. If you want a more honest female journey novel, read Zora Neal Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" if you want better philosophy/ literature, read Camus. She gets points for bravery and boldness. There are a lot worse books out there. |