Reviews

Oof. This one just did not do it for me.

While Atwood’s writing is, as usual, gorgeous, I just couldn’t get past such a deeply character-driven novel based around characters that I just didn’t enjoy spending time with. I found myself spending more time trying to figure out what it was Atwood was trying to do/show me and couldn’t get lost in the story the way that I wanted to.

There were absolutely points I enjoyed, especially Elaine’s relationship to her art and how she contended what she thought with what others thought (not unlike a writer and her readers), but I just couldn’t get lost in the story the way I wanted to.

Content Warnings

softcrowbar's review against another edition

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5.0

I don’t really write reviews but this book made me feel something. A variety of emotions. As though I had experienced all that Elaine experienced. Atwood is a master of her craft.

kkonda's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved this book, partially for the terror it dredged from the inner depths of my memory. Atwood does an amazing job of forcing childhood memories to resurface through the narration of the protagonist. A good read to remind you how hard it can be to be a kid.

heidkath's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

cazzalarouge's review against another edition

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dark reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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