Reading can sometimes become quite expensive, books in Iceland, for example, can cost over €40. Which is simply just something I don’t agree with! I don’t think that reading should be an expensive activity! So I thought it could be a fun idea to review the old classics that you can get for free in the Kindle store or with Google Books. I prefer the Kindle store but do also frequently use Google Books.

I have enjoyed so many of Kate Chopin’s short stories but I had never read her longer works until now when I had to read The Awakening for a class that I am taking. Most of the reading I do during the semesters are school related. Which is a shame because not only do I need to read the book, which sometimes takes away the joy of reading, but also I read it with a different mindset than I would otherwise.

But let’s go back to The Awakening. I can honestly say that it is something you need to read! Not only is it beautifully written, but it makes a statement that is still with me. Even though it is old it is not confusing, and it is not repetitious.

The Awakening was published in 1899 and focuses on a year in Edna Pontellier’s life. It is set in New Orleans and Grand Isle and Kate Chopin manages to set the scene beautifully. You can feel how overbearing the heat is and I read it in the middle of a Helsinki winter.

The heat is a constant reminder of the oppression that is part of Edna’s daily life. She is married, has two children and is dreadfully unhappy. Her life from the outside seems to be perfect, her husband makes good money and does not treat her too badly.

The novel does raise the question of being happy, and what it is that makes us happy. Edna seemingly has a perfect life but not only feels unhappy but also trapped, unable to breathe.

It reminded me of society today, everyone is trying to look happy on social media and the same is happening in this book. Except there is no social media, there is simply the society.

Even though the novel is about 119 years old it does not feel outdated. I could see it being published in 2018 because it still has the same statement as it did then. To be fair, it was very much ahead of its time.

Without giving any spoilers to a book that is over 100 years old, I need to mention the ending. For me it was exactly the right ending, it makes a strong statement without pity or shame. It simply is what it is.

Get The Awakening for free on Amazon or on Google Books

What classical book should be on my reading list?

-Katrin

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