Olejar Books

With an Introduction and Notes by Dr Stefania Ciocia, Reader in Modern and Contemporary Literature,
Canterbury Christ Church University

This is the first paperback edition to bring out in one volume Kate Chopin's extraordinary novel The Awakening (1899), along with the complete text of her two collections of short stories, Bayou Folk (1894) and A Night in Acadie (1897), and twelve uncollected tales.

The Awakening is a strikingly modern, evocative story of self-discovery and temale emancipation, set in the sensuous environment of Southern Louisiana, where the young Edna Pontellier reclaims her on individuality, refusing to be defined by her roles of wite and mother.

Chopin's stores are brilliantly observed, compassionate and often humorous, alert to the foibles, weaknesses and small triumphs of her characters. Overshadowed by the relatively recent tame of The Arakening, they contain some of the best work of this remarkably original author.