A review by jenne512
Lady Oracle by Margaret Atwood

3.0

It was a quicker read than I thought. I thought a lot of Joan's thoughts and fears were relatable and her flashbacks, especially later on in the book, kept me engaged. She's a pretty smart, although somewhat paranoid character, considering how she managed to escape many of her problems through believable yet intricate lies. I'm disappointed though in the ending of the book. I don't know what I expected but it felt it was going to be more shocking than what you get. Despite being entertained by her whirlwind of fame, her complex relationships, and her final escape, I found that Joan's character, mentally, doesn't really change too much. I feel the one lesson she should of learned - be truthful - is never fully accepted. For example, she escapes to Italy to try to live her 'real' life but finds herself at times wishing for her boring husband. Joan Foster is a complex figure who continually tries to hide her confusing persona from the world - which is sad. And because I saw that as really tragic, part of me wanted her to have a happier, more definite ending, like the ones she always gives her Costume Gothic characters. Someone like Joan who could barely combine their two lives/personalities together deserves some kind of single definition and peace.