She is queen of the metaphor and her writing, when on form, bends and dips over pages with a great sense of grace and humour. However, this book's plot did not sustain me or excite me, although the writing was beautiful. Too many diversions and to be truthful, too many metaphors etc.
Am I being cynical and/or blind myself?
I usually love Atwood.
andrew pack (not verified) | April 22, 2002 - 19:40
I loved this, but can't get into Alias Grace at all - I found this one of the most inspiring pieces of writing, in terms of style and sheer ability, that I've read in ages. Yes, the novel within the novel is always the best part, but it absolutely pulled me in and held me there.
Tom Saunders (not verified) | April 23, 2002 - 11:58
I enjoyed it, too. I'm a great fan.
Gabrielle (not verified) | April 23, 2002 - 22:43
Couldn't manage Alias Grace at all and am stuck on about page 20 of The Blind Assassin but I loved The Handmaid's Tale.
Any others recommended? Whats her poetry like?
chooselife (not verified) | April 24, 2002 - 07:45
Read 'Wilderness Tips' recently. This collection of short stories is excellent!
Tom Saunders (not verified) | April 24, 2002 - 11:21
Cat's Eye is my favourite, Gabrielle. Her poetry is worth reading.
andrew pack (not verified) | April 24, 2002 - 19:35
I did like Cat's Eye - and most Atwood fans rate it as her best work. But I just thought there was more sweep and vision in Blind Assassin. Perhaps because it is a story about story-telling. Like the lovely coda in Winterton's "The Passion" - be quiet, I'm telling you stories.