Scan barcode
A review by mrblackbean11
Bodily Harm by Margaret Atwood
3.0
This is not my favorite Magaret Atwood book, but it is still somewhere between a 3.2 - 3.4 on my rating scale. In reflection, I feel that a large part of my disinterest in this book is that I could not relate to the main character in any way, shape, or form except for the fact that she's female.
Rennie, our 'heroine', is a post breast cancer patient, who dissociates from her own life entirely after coming close to losing it. She finds herself writing a travel article on a politically instable island somewhere near Barbardos. The main reason I couldn't fathom Rennie is her obsession with the fact that she is dying (when she is not)> We're all dying in Rennie's perspective, but that is no way to live. She'll occassionally try to restore herself and regain her perspective, but Atwood gives us some nonchalant or disappointed remark afterwards from Rennie commenting on her frustrations.
Atwood loves to write in a more cryptic style, but I think she might have overshot a little bit on Bodily Harm (or, honestly, I might have to go back and read more carefully). I feel like I missed the point to this book, but I am honestly not sure if there was one to begin with.
So, this has been a pretty harsh review, but I set high expectations for Margaret Atwood now. I would recommend this book to someone who is a little more cynical or maybe someone who has had a near terminal disease. The writing itself is intelligent and enjoyable, it is the storyline and character development that are lacking a bit. If you are looking for a first Atwood to read, I'd recommend Blind Assassin instead or Cat's Eye, which is still one of the most profound books I have read.
Rennie, our 'heroine', is a post breast cancer patient, who dissociates from her own life entirely after coming close to losing it. She finds herself writing a travel article on a politically instable island somewhere near Barbardos. The main reason I couldn't fathom Rennie is her obsession with the fact that she is dying (when she is not)> We're all dying in Rennie's perspective, but that is no way to live. She'll occassionally try to restore herself and regain her perspective, but Atwood gives us some nonchalant or disappointed remark afterwards from Rennie commenting on her frustrations.
Atwood loves to write in a more cryptic style, but I think she might have overshot a little bit on Bodily Harm (or, honestly, I might have to go back and read more carefully). I feel like I missed the point to this book, but I am honestly not sure if there was one to begin with.
So, this has been a pretty harsh review, but I set high expectations for Margaret Atwood now. I would recommend this book to someone who is a little more cynical or maybe someone who has had a near terminal disease. The writing itself is intelligent and enjoyable, it is the storyline and character development that are lacking a bit. If you are looking for a first Atwood to read, I'd recommend Blind Assassin instead or Cat's Eye, which is still one of the most profound books I have read.