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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood flows like a river once you get the hang of it. The writing structure seems simple enough, yet it's so effective.
The Robber Bride tells the story of three Canadian women who were conned by one woman named Xenia. Xenia is a friend from college whom these women met. They have all been "wronged" by Xenia in a unique way, yet even though Xenia is a different woman in front of the three women, once they unite, Xenia's power doesn't diminish. Because Xenia is more than capable of holding the mirror in front of mirrors. Yet, once the three women stop believing their own smoke and mirrors, Xenia's power diminishes.
I think The Robber Bride is a brilliant book, and I hope I'm not the only one who saw it as such.
The Robber Bride tells the story of three Canadian women who were conned by one woman named Xenia. Xenia is a friend from college whom these women met. They have all been "wronged" by Xenia in a unique way, yet even though Xenia is a different woman in front of the three women, once they unite, Xenia's power doesn't diminish. Because Xenia is more than capable of holding the mirror in front of mirrors. Yet, once the three women stop believing their own smoke and mirrors, Xenia's power diminishes.
I think The Robber Bride is a brilliant book, and I hope I'm not the only one who saw it as such.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am just not in the right mood for awful things happening to everyone no matter what. Well-written as fuck though.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Atwood is a true master and I am so glad I have started to read beyond Handmaid’s Tale, her most renowned work. Her control of prose and characterisation is extraordinary and I would often find myself stopping and re-reading sections to fully process her intent and appreciate the effects of her writing. Even though the characters here could be seen as archetypes, Atwood fleshes them out with rich and vivid depth, delving into their childhoods and both their inner and outer selves with great sensitivity and lyrical beauty. This is a compelling character study of three wronged women and the monster (there is no better word) that deliberately tore their lives apart. Zenia is a truly terrible, yet timeless antagonist and will live long in the memory.
There are issues with this book for sure and this review is entirely skimming the surface but it’s late and I can’t be bothered. In essence: a good book, would strongly recommend, particularly for those interested in the exploration of gender identity.
There are issues with this book for sure and this review is entirely skimming the surface but it’s late and I can’t be bothered. In essence: a good book, would strongly recommend, particularly for those interested in the exploration of gender identity.
Atwood is a very good novelist with an impressive use of language. In this novel, she creates three very well rounded and interesting characters, with complex and engaging backstories, and one character who is intriguing and compelling. However, I find myself wondering if the exercise of writing this novel was not more fulfilling and entertaining for her than it can be for anyone who reads it. My verdict is that it is undoubtedly clever, but almost certainly indulgently overwritten.
I also find it hard to get past the clumsy use of AIDS as shock factor, and some homophobic and potentially anti-feminist sentiments that could be written of as being true to their time and/or the thoughts of the narrators, but that strike me - perhaps with a modern sensibility - as below the standard of decency.
I also find it hard to get past the clumsy use of AIDS as shock factor, and some homophobic and potentially anti-feminist sentiments that could be written of as being true to their time and/or the thoughts of the narrators, but that strike me - perhaps with a modern sensibility - as below the standard of decency.
My second time around with this book. A favorite of mine from the wonderful Margaret Atwood. I think this would be an interesting book group title. One step less cruel than Cat's Eye. A fascinating look at women's relationships and choices we make.
Ik twijfelde heel erg tussen drie en vier sterren, want het is een interessant verhaal met veel leuke intertekst (ik ben groot fan van sprookjes metaforen en verwijzingen), maar het plot en dergelijke vond ik niet extreem pakkend of bijzonder. Leuk boek, maar in vergelijking met Atwood's andere werk is dit niet de geweldigste roman.