The Kiss

By: Kate Chopin

Narrated by: Lee Ann Howlett

Nathalie, a lovely and determined young lady, plans to marry Mr. Brantain, an unattractive but extremely wealthy man. When an unexpected event occurs involving her brother’s friend, Mr. Harvy, the consequences illustrate the finality of the choice Nathalie makes. Kate Chopin was a prolific writer of short stories and books that have been translated into films, plays, and operas. Chopin’s work often took place in Louisiana, and her book The Awakening was referenced in the HBO series Treme.

Public Domain (P)2015 Lee Ann Howlett

A short and interesting story from the 1890s

My rating: 3.5 stars
Audiobook narrator Lee Ann Howlett rating: 3.5 stars

I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was not familiar with this book or author before receiving it. Since then I have learned a little about Kate Chopin and learned how she would publish her stories in Vogue. This short story is interesting for the time period that it comes from (originally 1895). In a time where women had very little power and were very submissive to men (at least from what TV has taught me), this story takes a different approach – maybe a more Vogue-like approach – and shows women as doing what they can to satisfy their desires. (That’s at least how I interpreted it).

I enjoyed the narration. She was clear and easy to understand. My only suggestion is to maybe have different voices for different men just for my clarity. Though, it is hard to judge someone’s full audible quality with only seven minutes of audio!

Thanks for the free audiobook!