A Vocation and a Voice

In 1900, after Chopin's novel The Awakening was condemned, her publisher canceled her most innovative work--a collection of stories full of passion, decadence, and sensuality. Included here are "The Story of an Hour," a shocking reversal of the most profound event of her childhood; "An Egyptian Cigarette," the story of a drug trip; and the title story, about a sweet-voiced boy soprano who learns about adult life.

Emil Toth, biographer of Kate Chopin as well as editor of her diaries and letters, discusses the author's style and the inspiration for her stories and provides insight into Chopin's controversial career in this long-awaited classic. --back cover