22 December 2012

Book Review: The Blind Assassin

In the past three weeks, there are many things I could have and should have done in the evenings. But, I could not put The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood down. What a heartbreaking, yet somehow encouraging story.

Iris narrates her "biography" by way of the present and the past intermingled. The Blind Assassin is a novel inside a novel that complicates the story, but ties it together in the end. I don't want to give anything away because Atwood builds and builds and builds this story throughout the book.

I loved all the little details about the book - the time: pre-World War II, the Bolsheviks, industry and women's roles. I love that Atwood writes about strong, flawed female characters in her books.

I checked on a review of the book and ran across this one. Thomas Mallon couldn't be more of a jerk, as far as I'm concerned. I have a very hard time saying that this is my favorite book by Atwood - because I love all of her books. But I really think this is it.

3 comments:

Ann Wyse said...

I really liked this book as well. I say the maid's phrase "little pitchers have big ears," frequently. (Although, I know this phrase has been around for a long time, but it's so old-fashion and strangely nonsensical, I'd forgotten about it until I read this book.) Comes in handy now that the Little Pitchers in my house have decent comprehension and vocabulary.

I think I already mentioned that I really like Margaret Atwood, too. Haven't read all her books, BUT, I really loved the The Robber Bride. It might be my favorite so far - and yes, it's definitely the flawed female characters that make the books!

ElizabethMJaocb said...

well, i am just so glad we met! seems we have a bit in common. besides hiking, running and reading I love Margaret Atwood. I've read almost all her books ;)

life's a bear said...

So glad I stumbled on your blog! Love your words and photos!

Anne, I'm going to check out the Robber Bride next. Have you read her recent stuff?