The Awakening and Other Short Stories

By: Kate Chopin

Narrated by: Susie Berneis

One of the earliest feminist works in American literature, "The Awakening" tells the story of Edna Pontellier. Unsatisfied with societal expectations and unhappy with her family life, she begins to fall in love with the dapper Robert Lebrun. Lebrun's flirtations, along with the lifestyle of renown musician Mademoiselle Reisz, rejuvenates Edna's sense of freedom and independence. However, an affair with the womanizer Alcee Arobin provides Edna with a taste of the danger that comes from living outside of social convention. Trapped between the life she is expected to live and the one she longs to lead, Edna struggles to find happiness.

Also included are eight of Chopin's most celebrated short stories: "A Pair of Silk Stockings", "A Reflection", "A Respectable Woman", "Beyond the Bayou", "Desiree's Baby, Ma'ame Pelagie," "The Kiss", and "The Locket."

Public Domain (P)2018 Dreamscape Media, LLC

No ending? Audio launches into the other stories

I loved the book and performance, but the audiobook having the other stories was confusing. I didn't realize it was the end of the book and one of the short stories started which was super confusing! After The Awakening, there is no "The End" or anything... it just says "Part II" which of course makes you think it's Part II of the Awakening. NOTE, the book ends at Chapter 39!

Otherwise I really enjoyed it and thought the narrator did a great job.