Sigh. I am not nearly the sophisticated reader I once was. I've never really been able to enjoy Atwood (probably because the movie version of The Handmaid's Tale freaked me out to no end and I could never get past that), but I am really trying here. It starts with the main character describing her sister's death (an apparently suicidal joy ride off the side of a bridge) and the novel the sister has left behind, which she posthumously publishes.
So far the book is a surreal combination of this novel within a novel and a smattering of newspaper clippings of obituaries also pertinent to this main character's life. The obituaries are quite interesting; the novel within a novel? Well, it's a weird mixture of a torrid love affair and a freaky sci-fi, otherworld where horrible social conditions drive people to heinous crimes, apparently.
It is a looooong read and fairly slow, so I wouldn't expect to hear from me here anytime in the next week or so. I hope to get through it because I really feel like at 36 years old, I really should be able to say I've read at least one Atwood novel. Sigh.
It really is my favorite Atwood book, but I recall having trouble getting into it the first time. I set it down for a while and went back to it after my sister-in-law raved about it. On the second try, I loved it.
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten there's a Handmaid's Tale movie -- I vaguely recall reading somewhere that they dramatically changed the ending? I'm not sure a movie could capture the book very well.
Dang - you are cranking through the books! You are making me feel guilty for not getting to the pile of unread books I have by my bed!!
ReplyDeleteLets pick one for book club - I need some inspiration!
Okay, I read this and didn't like it. I have this response to Margaret Atwood. I feel like I SHOULD really like her, but eventually, I have to admit that I don't and now I have read several of her books. I do think Blind Assassin gets more engaging and that it will turn into an exciting read.
ReplyDeleteI just finished Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky. It also starts out slow, but eventually, gets very good. I think its worth a whirl if you are looking for your next book!
This is one of my favorite books- and I teach it now. I cry every time I re-read it. And you have to re-read- because after you unravel the mystery, it's so much fun to start over and see how she pieces it together.
ReplyDelete