Kath Pringle
I have just finished studying this book for an OU course. I really feel that this has as much to say about women's lives today as it did when it was first published. More than anything we owe a debt to authors like Chopin who dared to say the unsayable and open up the debate about a woman's role.

Martina Capaldi
I read this book at university, along with a selection of Chopin's short stories and was instantly captured by its subtle power, sexuality and rebelliousness. My only other comment would be that the novel which has had the biggest impact on me as a woman has been Mrs Dalloway, which is not on the shortlist. Also, where is Edith Wharton? Wharton writes most insightfully about womens' position within heterosexual relationships. She is timeless and brilliant.

Patrick Hourihan
The beauty of The Awakening is that so many of its themes resonate with our world today. I love the book because of its beautfiul desire for social freedom. I don't think Edna's journey just applies to women - she makes me want to push back social barriers too.

Liz Hall
I read this book as a mature student at University when I had just agreed that my ex-husband should have custody of our children and it was breaking my heart. Edna Montpellier does the same in the novel. The novel spoke to me from the nineteenth century and gave me succour. I went on to have a wonderful relationship with my children and have kept myself in the process.

Helen Cleary
I think we, women, all face an ongoing pressure to conform in some ways, except now we also have to aim for successful careers, as well as being good mothers and great lovers. It seems harder than ever to find time to explore our creative, sensual selves in the way that Edna insists is her right.

D. Carlino
This book reminds women that they will need strong wings whenever they want to exercise their creativity and passion.