The Blind Assassin

I noticed that many people really seem to enjoy Margaret Atwood's work, so when I saw one of her books on my latest trip to the library, I decided to try it and see what I think. I can't be sure as to my entire reaction because I am still puzzling it out in many ways but I will say that it was engaging (I stayed up till five in the morning because I didn't want to put it down) and not at all what I was expecting.

The Blind Assassin begins with the death of Laura Chase, ten days after the end of the Second World War, explained to us by her sister, Iris Chase Griffen. The next thing the reader sees is the prologue to a book within the book, entitled The Blind Assassin, by the same Laura Chase, published by her sister two years after her death. What follows are two stories, one told to us by an aged Iris - her recollections of the past and how the sisters had grown up, and the other being Laura's book, a story of secret meetings of two lovers and the story he is telling her. In that aspect, it reminds me of W, or Memories of Childhood.

This story isn't happy; in fact, I would call it a tragedy, though that seems to be Atwood's normal fare: perhaps I should have expected it. Many of the major events are foreshadowed by newpaper articles throughout the text, giving the reader a taste of what is to come, though just enough to create a sense of wondering how this will effect things or how it will come about. The writing was wonderful, though the style in certain parts did grate my nerves at the beginning. All in all, a book I am glad I decided to pick up and I think I may have to try more of her books.

On the other hand, trying to decipher what Atwood's message is - that is a challenge. I know there is a deeper message, if only in her selection of the title, but I am still working on understanding what her point (or points) may be. I suppose that makes me appreciate the book even more.

Rating: 4.5

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