Novel Pairings17 Mar 2020

3. The Awakening by Kate Chopin and books that feature feminine self-discovery

Today Chelsey and Sara are chatting about The Awakening by Kate Chopin. This novella published in 1899 follows Edna Pontellier as she discovers her desires and her identity outside of wifehood and motherhood. Our discussion includes how this book illustrates the constraints placed on 19th century women, why we don't seem to have any issues with the infidelity in the novel, and how Kate Chopin speaks to modern-day mom-shaming. We also dig into some of the problematic content in this book and offer suggestions on how to read it through a more modern lens.

Plus, as always, we're recommending six contemporary books to pair with our classic include a young adult novel full of evocative nature imagery and a closed door second chance romance.

Today's episode is brought to you by Libro.fm, the only audiobook company that allows you to purchase audiobooks directly from your favorite indie bookstore. You can get THREE audiobooks for $15 by clicking this link or by using code NOVELPAIRINGS at checkout.

Books, Pairings, and Time Stamps

Books Discussed: The Awakening Modern Library Torchbearers Edition (23:50), Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (30:36), Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (30:38)

Chelsey's Pairings: Educated by Tara Westover (39:45), Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper (44:08), We Are Okay by Nina Lacour (48:40)

Sara's Pairings: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (41:40), Fleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (46:02), Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (50:20)

Picks of the Week: Love is Blind (52:35) and Portrait of a Lady on Fire (54:45)

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(170)

165. Celebrate Novel Pairings with Chelsey and Sara with a Farewell Q&A

For our final episode of Novel Pairings, we opened up the mailbag to answer your thoughtful listener questions. From reflections on our favorite classics to behind-the-scenes stories, we're sharing a ...

3 Jun 20251h 6min

164. Brand New Books with Backlist Pairings: Summer 2025 Edition

Get ready to load your summer totes with compelling reads, both new and old! We're sharing our anticipated summer releases on today's episode, carefully curated from a long list of captivating titles ...

20 Mai 20251h 1min

163. Reflections on Emma and 250 years of Jane Austen

We're wrapping up our Emma readalong with final reflections on rereading, standout themes, and Austen's legacy. We also chat about how we're marking the momentous occasion of Jane Austen's 250th anni...

6 Mai 202556min

162. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Six: A Perfect Union

In this episode, we reach the culmination of Jane Austen's Emma, where secrets are revealed, relationships evolve, and characters face pivotal choices that will shape their futures. We discuss shiftin...

15 Apr 20251h 22min

161. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Five: Badly Done, Emma

In this episode, we're unpacking so many juicy moments—from Frank Churchill's restless return to Highbury and the long-awaited ball at the Crown Inn to Harriet's shocking misadventure and Mr. Knightle...

8 Apr 20251h 8min

160. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Four: Jane Fairfax & Mrs. Elton

In this episode, we're savoring the drama and intrigue of Emma, Volume Two, Chapters 9 through 18. The aftermath of the Cole's party has Emma rehashing every social triumph and misstep, from her jealo...

1 Apr 20251h 4min

159. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Three: A Mysterious Pianoforte

In this recap, we're discussing Volume Two, Chapters 1-8 of Emma by Jane Austen. In this episode, we'll explore the arrival of some intriguing new characters to Highbury that shake up Emma's carefully...

25 Mar 202557min

158. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Two: Matchmaking or Meddling

In this recap, we're diving into Emma by Jane Austen — covering Volume One, Chapters 10–18. Join us on Patreon for bonus content. Emma Woodhouse is back at it — charming, meddling, and trying to navi...

18 Mar 20251h 7min