Margret Atwood is an astonishing author. One thing I particularly enjoy is that her books are each distinct. Some authors have a certain “sameness” to their work, which can be relaxing or even comforting and reliable – you know what you’re going to get. Atwood’s books are unique reading experiences, which can be exciting. I really enjoyed The Blind Assassin – the way that the three story lines are woven together is an interesting and illuminating approach to understand the characters, particularly Iris, the main character. There is mystery, a book within a book, and enough time-shifting and interesting characters to keep a reader engaged.
Seeing Iris emerge through the course of the book is quite amazing – she is in many ways surrounded by larger “personalities” and often seems somewhat wan by comparison. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that she can hold her own in the personality department and her life is as “big” as the other characters. She has regrets and yet does not dwell on making excuses – she is not self-righteous, but generally accepts her mistakes and shortcomings. She wants to explain and set the record straight, at least from her perspective.
In many ways, Iris has lived a quiet and unhappy life and yet has found and appreciated her times of happiness and fulfillment. She is an interesting character. Maybe because I too am shy and not very social, Iris resonated with me. Or perhaps I found Iris particularly engaging because, in her older years, she somewhat reminds me of my mother when she first came to live with me. Both women getting on in years. Both looking back over their lives and seeing their own actions in a new light. Both wanting to explain their choices and decisions and hoping people will look kindly upon them and be understanding.
I also could see people I know in the other characters of the book. Laura, Richard, Alex and Winifred remind me of people I have known. They are challenging and sometimes exhausting! I understand that feeling of walking on eggshells to avoid setting someone off. Through these characters, the novel crosses generations and genders and classes, as well as the perspectives seen through those lenses. There are secrets and intrigue, choices and consequences, and conflicts and reckonings. I’m not saying more because I don’t want to spoil anything for other readers, but I will say that it’s an engaging book that I plan to reread.
