The Awakening and Other Stories

Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century New Orleans, the narrative follows Edna Pontellier, a seemingly content wife and mother whose summer romance awakens her desire for independence and self-discovery. Challenging societal norms, she explores solitude, creativity, and sensuality, shocking her husband and the community. Initially controversial upon its release in 1899, the story remains a bold exploration of a woman's quest for personal happiness beyond the confines of domestic life. This edition also features notable short stories by Chopin.