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The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
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This novel is, quite simply,
gorgeous. In elegant yet accessible prose, Atwood relates the
compelling, intriguing and thought-provoking story of Iris and her
younger sister Laura growing up isolated in small town, war-torn
Canada in the early part of the 20th century. Intertwined is a story
of unnamed lovers whose experiences and emotions alternatively match
and juxtaposition the story of the sisters. And further intertwined
is a third story, set on a planet far, far way of a mute girl
destined to be sacrificed for the glory of nothing and a blind
assassin set to kill her.
Iris, the eldest, is the
dominant character and for the most part the novel is told through
her voice. Unsophisticated and humanly flawed, Iris struggles to
make sense of the world around her while Laura remains vaguely drawn
and a little ethereal. Their mother dies giving birth leaving the
children to the care of their distant and disturbed father, Norval.
Iris agrees to marry nouveau-riche Richard Chase in an attempt to
save her father's business and to protect her sister. |
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| But Richard betrays Iris
and Norval dies. Leaving Iris, ill-prepared and unsupported, to look
after her wayward sister. Thus is the scene is set for an intriguing
mystery and a touching, devastating account of young - and lifelong
- love. You're just never sure whose love, until the very end.
The premise may sound complicate, but don't be put
off. Atwood guides the reader so well, so gently, that the action
moves effortless between the nested narratives, leaving the reader
riveted but not confused. Atwood's prize winning novel is at once a
masterpiece, a great read, a good mystery and by far the best book
I've read so far this read. |
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