I believe the reason I enjoyed the this book so much was my ability to relate to the protagonist. Chopin was able to create a female character that the majority of women in the world are able to connect to. What I loved most, was that at times throughout the novel, I felt as if I were reading echoes of my own thoughts and feelings. Another thing that amazed me was Kate Chopin's ability to convey Edna Pontelliers' emotions in so few, but perfectly chosen, words. While I am usually partial to long lyrical soliloquies, I find that Chopins style of writing delivered a more powerful impact of emotion. And finally, the end was without a doubt, absolutely perfect! There was no other path that Edna could have taken.
One passage from the novel in particular, really imprinted itself on my mind, "The bird that would soar above the level plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings. It is a sad spectacle to see the weaklings bruised, exhausted, fluttering back to earth." (p.158). Mademoiselle Reisz, was such a delicious character, that it makes you wish she was real, just so you could talk to her and experience her music for yourself.