Margaret Atwood
1993
Around 550 pages
It's a pretty safe bet that I'm going to love any Margaret Atwood novel. I'm still in awe of her range. Even my favorite writers are often repetitive in their work, but Atwood manages to create something unique and exciting with every new genre she takes on.
Set in present-day Toronto, Ontario, the story follows three women and their history with old friend and nemesis, Zenia. Roz, Charis, and Tony still meet once a month in a restaurant years after Zenia betrayed them. During one outing they spot Zenia, who they thought to be long-dead. We then find out how Zenia stole their respective partners one by one.
That actually sounds like it could be the story in a country song, but I promise this is well-crafted and deeply nuanced novel that explores the power dynamics between men and women (just like Goodbye Earl did).
The story really poses interesting questions. For instance, is there such a thing as a "homewrecker", or are women just repeatedly saving each other from spending their lives with unfaithful duds? And because it is Atwood, the action rarely lags and the characters are brilliantly fleshed out, with Tony being my personal favorite.
Atwood earns every single one of her entries on this List. Another work of genius to add to her resume.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Interesting Facts:
In 2014, Atwood published the short story "I Dream of Zenia with the Bright Red Teeth", which revisits Roz, Tony, and Charis in the present day.
UP NEXT: The House of Doctor Dee by Peter Ackroyd
No comments:
Post a Comment