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In 'The Awakening' by Kate Chopin, the story follows Edna Pontellier, a woman who feels trapped by societal expectations and her roles as a wife and mother. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, Edna's awakening leads her to question her own desires and the constraints imposed by society in the 1890s. The novel explores themes of feminism, individuality, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment amidst societal pressures, culminating in a tragic ending that challenges traditional norms.

Set in the idyllic coastal community of 1890s New Orleans, 'The Awakening' delves into the inner turmoil of Edna Pontellier as she grapples with her unfulfilled yearnings and embarks on an illicit liaison that reignites her passions. Through sparse prose and poignant storytelling, Kate Chopin crafts a powerful narrative that challenges societal conventions and explores the complexities of women's roles and desires during a time of rigid social norms.

If you liked The Awakening, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
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    The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton follows the life of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent socialite in 1900s New York, as she navigates the expectations of society and the pursuit of a wealthy husband to secure her social standing. Lily's struggles with societal pressures, her financial instability, and her personal choices lead to a tragic and poignant exploration of class, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. Wharton's writing style intricately portrays the complexities of Lily's character, the social customs of the time, and the inner turmoil faced by a woman trapped in a world of privilege and constraint.

    It was a Monday in early September, and he was returning to his work from a hurried dip into the country; but what was Miss Bart doing in town at that season? If she had appeared to be catching a trai...

  2. #2

    The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
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    'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a short story that delves into a woman's descent into madness as she stays confined in a room with yellow wallpaper, growing obsessed with it. The book explores themes of women's mental health issues in the late 19th century, particularly postpartum depression, and the mistreatment of women by society and the medical profession. The narrative is a powerful commentary on women's lack of power in a male-dominated world, showcasing the consequences of isolation and confinement on one's mental state.

    The writing style in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is often described as gothic, haunting, and psychological. It effectively portrays the slow deterioration of the main character's mental state, capturing the reader's attention with vivid descriptions and a sense of impending madness. The story is lauded for its thought-provoking exploration of societal norms and the repression of women, offering a chilling and impactful read in just a few pages.

    If a physician of high standing, and one's own husband, assures friends and relatives that there is really nothing the matter with one but temporary nervous depression—a slight hysterical tendency—wha...

  3. #3

    A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
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    'A Room of One's Own' by Virginia Woolf is an insightful and thought-provoking essay that delves into the challenges faced by women in literature. Woolf discusses the importance of women having financial independence and a space of their own to be able to succeed as writers. Through a blend of historical analysis and personal reflections, she highlights the societal barriers that have hindered women from making significant contributions to literature. The book explores the role of women in fiction, touching on themes of feminism, gender equality, and the need for women to have equal opportunities in the literary world.

    But, you may say, we asked you to speak about women and fiction—what, has that got to do with a room of one's own? I will try to explain. When you asked me to speak about women and fiction I sat down ...

  4. #4

    Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
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    'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston is a classic novel that follows the life of Janie Mae Crawford, a black woman living in Florida before World War II. The story delves into Janie's journey of self-discovery, independence, and love through three marriages. The narrative is rich in black vernacular, providing a realistic portrayal of the characters' lives and struggles in early 20th-century America.

    The book explores themes of love, independence, race, and gender, offering a poignant reflection on the societal norms and expectations that Janie navigates throughout her life. Through Hurston's poetic prose and vivid imagery, readers are taken on a compelling journey alongside Janie as she strives to assert her identity and find her place in the world.

    Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes...

  5. #5

    Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
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    'Wide Sargasso Sea' by Jean Rhys is a haunting and dreamlike novel that serves as a prequel to 'Jane Eyre'. It delves into the life of Antoinette Cosway, the first Mrs. Rochester, exploring her descent into madness within the lush landscapes of the West Indies. The book provides a compelling backstory to the character of Bertha, portraying the complexities of class and racial tensions in a post-colonial and post-slavery society, all while challenging the reader's sympathies between Antoinette and Rochester.

    They say when trouble come close ranks, and so the white people did. But we were not in their ranks. The Jamaican ladies had never approved of my mother, ‘because she pretty like pretty self’ Christop...

  6. #6

    Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
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    Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton tells the tragic tale of Ethan Frome, a farmer living in Starkfield, Massachusetts, who struggles with his unproductive farm and his difficult wife, Zeena. When Zeena's cousin, Mattie, comes to live with them, Ethan becomes obsessed with her, leading to a heartbreaking story of unconsummated love and the struggle between passion and duty.

    The novella is set in a bleak New England environment, with evocative descriptions of the winter landscapes adding to the melancholy tone of the story. Through Wharton's powerful characterizations and descriptive prowess, the narrative explores themes of poverty, unfulfilled desires, and the consequences of forbidden love, culminating in a tragic and haunting denouement.

    THE VILLAGE lay under two feet of snow, with drifts at the windy corners. In a sky of iron the points of the Dipper hung like icicles and Orion flashed his cold fires. The moon had set, but the night ...

  7. #7

    Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
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    "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf follows the events of a single day in the life of the titular character, Clarissa Dalloway, as she prepares for a party. The narrative style shifts between stream of consciousness and third-person omniscience, delving into the thoughts and interactions of various characters connected to Clarissa. The writing is described as detailed, fluid, and capturing the inner workings of each character's mind.

    For Lucy had her work cut out for her. The doors would be taken off their hinges; Rumpelmayer’s men were coming. And then, thought Clarissa Dalloway, what a morning — fresh as if issued to children on...

  8. #8

    The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
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    The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a haunting and beautifully written novel that delves into the descent of Esther Greenwood into madness and depression. The story follows Esther, a young woman with a bright future, as she struggles with her mental health, ends up in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, and navigates her way back to normalcy. Plath's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and sparse, perfectly capturing the delicate yet powerful essence of the subject matter.

    The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of depression, mental illness, and the societal pressures faced by women in the 1950s America. Plath's storytelling is poignant, dark, and at times morbidly funny, offering a deep insight into Esther's internal struggles and the challenges she encounters on her journey towards self-discovery and recovery.

    It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York. I’m stupid about executions. The idea of being electrocuted makes me sick, a...

  9. #9

    The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir
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    Simone de Beauvoir's 'The Second Sex' examines gender as a social construct in society, arguing that women are oppressed due to being seen as other or alien in the eyes of men and masculine institutions. The book provides a comprehensive evaluation of women's oppression, offering a feminist view of the world and explaining the differentiation of that view from the masculine perspective. De Beauvoir's writing style is described as dense, philosophical, and disarming, with razor-sharp argumentation that delves deep into the sources and impacts of how women are viewed and treated.

    Males and females are two types of individuals who are differentiated within one species for the purposes of reproduction; they can be defined only correlatively. But it has to be pointed out first th...

  10. #10

    To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
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    'To the Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf is a novel that delves deep into the complexities of human psychology, relationships, and the passage of time. The book follows the Ramsay family and their guests on a holiday on the Isle of Skye, exploring the tensions and allegiances within a family and the conflict between male and female principles. Through introspective and introspective writing, Woolf constructs a remarkable examination of family life, inner thoughts, and the impact of time on relationships.

    The plot of the book is centered around seemingly trivial events, inner monologues, and shifts in perspectives, rather than traditional action or dialogue. Woolf's writing style, characterized by long sentences, stream of consciousness, and intricate character development, creates a lyrical and introspective narrative that captures the nuances of human emotions and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

    To her son these words conveyed an extraordinary joy, as if it were settled the expedition were bound to take place, and the wonder to which he had looked forward, for years and years it seemed, was, ...

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