First published in 1899, the critics of the time condemned this novel for the heroine's unrepentant drive for independence regardless of the happiness of her family. It had a re-birth in the bra-burning 1960s when it was received with great enthusiasm. I lost whatever sympathy I had with Edna because she is selfish and rebellious rather than persuasive. Chopin's description of music, birds and the sea created the mood that held my attention.
(Judith Peppitt - bwl 83 Winter 2017 ) |
