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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Interesting, quick read. I really enjoy her stories. I wished the endings to some of these stories wasn't so abrupt- I'm really curious to see how some of them would have turned out.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was an enjoyable read, but not a compulsive one. My mind enjoyed it but my heart was not engaged and I didn't find myself caring too much about any of the characters. I enjoyed Atwood's black humour and her wordsmithing, but for me, this wasn't one of her better pieces. It might come down to my personal preference for novels over short stories, but yes. I finished it, I didn't feel short changed, but I wasn't gobsmacked.
Just a log for me:
Enjoyed the first 3 tales and how they interwove, the dark lady standing out. Lusus naturae was a curveball after the first 3, I'd have enjoyed it more in a different context.
Freeze dried and zenia were a bit forgettable. The dead hand was a bit long but i enjoyed the themes despite its abrupt ending.
Stone mattress was the most fun while torching was the darkest, a good finisher and one to dwell on.
Enjoyed the first 3 tales and how they interwove, the dark lady standing out. Lusus naturae was a curveball after the first 3, I'd have enjoyed it more in a different context.
Freeze dried and zenia were a bit forgettable. The dead hand was a bit long but i enjoyed the themes despite its abrupt ending.
Stone mattress was the most fun while torching was the darkest, a good finisher and one to dwell on.
I picked this out mainly because I was looking for something to listen to on my commute, and this was available. I love Margaret Atwood, but hadn't read this before, as I tend to gravitate towards novels rather than short stories. This turned out to be a great read, especially around Halloween. All of the stories involved some element of fantasy, noir, magical realism, or some combination. Some of my favorites included "I Dream of Xenia," which is a coda to Atwood's
"Robber Bride," and the title story "Stone Mattress." The best bit about listening to this particular recording is that several of the stories are read by Atwood herself.
"Robber Bride," and the title story "Stone Mattress." The best bit about listening to this particular recording is that several of the stories are read by Atwood herself.
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Book is full of oral sex and tell the story of old ladies.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting
Every page was perfection. Atwood just doesn't miss.
I have a forgiving temperament, I know they have the best of intentions at heart. I've put on my white burial dress, as befits a virgin. One must have a sense of occasion. The twittering voices are very loud: it's time for me to take flight. I'll fall from the burning rooftop like a comet, I'll blaze like a bonfire. They'll have to say many charms over my ashes, to make sure I'm really dead this time. After a while I'll become an upside-down saint; my finger bones will be sold as dark relics. I'll be a legend, by then.
Perhaps in Heaven I'll look like an angel. Or perhaps the angels will look like me. What a surprise that will be, for everyone else! It's something to look forward to. -- Atwood, 116
I have a forgiving temperament, I know they have the best of intentions at heart. I've put on my white burial dress, as befits a virgin. One must have a sense of occasion. The twittering voices are very loud: it's time for me to take flight. I'll fall from the burning rooftop like a comet, I'll blaze like a bonfire. They'll have to say many charms over my ashes, to make sure I'm really dead this time. After a while I'll become an upside-down saint; my finger bones will be sold as dark relics. I'll be a legend, by then.
Perhaps in Heaven I'll look like an angel. Or perhaps the angels will look like me. What a surprise that will be, for everyone else! It's something to look forward to. -- Atwood, 116
The first 3 tales here are related, which is one of my favorite literary techniques. The rest are pretty wide-ranging. Overall, it's a nice sampling of Atwood's style and subject matter. I read it for a horror-themed podcast for my job, and most of the tales filled the bill on that score. Check out the podcast here https://www.glenviewpl.org/well-read/.
Toujours pas convaincue par Atwood. Il y a des idées, une écriture correcte, sans plus, mais qu'est-ce qu'on s'emmerde !