The Awakening - Kate Chopin

This book, first published in 1899, is one of the first pieces of American feminist literature. The main character, Edna Pontellier, is a 28-year old wife and mother living with her family in New Orleans. Throughout the story, Edna struggles with the role that she is expected to play as a woman (at one point, her father tells her husband, "You are too lenient, too lenient by far, Leonce ... Authority, coercion are what is needed. Put your foot down good and hard; the only way to manage a wife. Take my word for it."). Although Edna does seem to care for her family, she also wants her freedom.

So while her husband is away on business and her kids go stay with his parents, Edna falls in love with another man, and she starts having an affair (with yet another man).

I won't spoil the ending ... but this was a good, quick, classic read. Apparently, the book was banned for many years because of Edna's pursuit of her emotional and sexual independence - at a time when women were supposed to be dedicated wives and mothers. Though I wouldn't say to run out and buy this book tomorrow, I'd recommend it because of its importance in American literature Chopin's beautiful writing style.