History of Feminism
Related: About this forumAuthor Spotlight: Margaret Atwood
No doubt you have read something of Atwoods in your lifetime from 1970?s The Edible Woman to the 2009 novel The Year of the Flood - part of the incredible MaddAddam series. Or perhaps youve tried some of her poetry or short stories. Most likely youve read The Handmaids Tale whether through school or because of its integral place in literature.
Over the years, Atwood has won so many awards and been given so many honorary degrees I cant even begin to list them so go here if you want to know more. Instead, I am going to swiftly move on to some of my favourite Margaret Atwood books
The Handmaids Tale
The Republic of Gilead offers Offred only one function: to breed.
This is the first time I truly discovered dystopian literature at its best. This is a dark, witty and terrifyingly astute tale of one womans imprisonment and desires and her bravery and honesty. With a deft turn of words, Atwood envelops you in a story that grips you by the throat and doesnt let go. I had never considered a dystopia having not experienced 1984 and a few years before my attempt of anything similar (Hothouse was my next step shortly followed by The Road) and this transfixed me my next few writing forays explored the art fitfully and without much success. It is Atwoods skill that creates a brilliant story in The Handmaids Tale a truly impressive dystopia is not blood and guts and zombies, its the darkness within something Atwood explores time and time again.
The Blind Assassin
This sat on the family bookshelf for years before I ever picked it up. The Blind Assassin is another demonstration of Atwoods incredibly versatile wit and powers of observation. This does come with a warning label though its a bit weird (and when I warn you that this is weird, in Atwood terms, its very weird). A heady blend of thriller, humour, science-fiction and romance (the sordid kind), it also won the Booker Prize in 2000. I wouldnt recommend it as a starting point, but its definitely a must-read if you want to get to know Margaret Atwoods novels.
More: http://inkingsandinklings.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/author-spotlight-margaret-atwood/
Squinch
(51,004 posts)Thanks for reminding me to go through her backlist again!
CrispyQ
(36,509 posts)I've fallen in love with reading fiction again. I force myself to take at least 30 minutes a day & read something besides technical stuff, & I'm loving it! I've read The Handmaid's Tale & Oryx & Crake some time ago. My library has The Year of the Flood & I'm gong to check it out this week.
mopinko
(70,208 posts)for her own sex as well- "cat's eye" will remind you of your best friend and your worst enemy.
ismnotwasm
(42,008 posts)But it's worth it
seabeyond
(110,159 posts)and pick up one of her books. thanks for the reminder. i have been wanting to read her.
Rowdyboy
(22,057 posts)It stands alone in a genre that I deeply love (post-apocalyptic fiction). It is incredible, terrifying, haunting and utterly unforgettable. I've read dystopian nightmares from hell without flinching but this book honestly towers above the rest in one simple way-its a horrifying madness I can actually imagine happening. And its really not that far-fetched which is the most stunning and disturbing part.
I've enjoyed some of her other work, and been unimpressed by others but "Handmaid" stands alone. Please reconsider.