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Alias Grace

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996

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Book Brief

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Margaret Atwood

Alias Grace

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

468

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Canada • 1840s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood retells the story of Grace Marks, a nineteenth-century Canadian maid convicted as an accessory to the murders of her employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery. The novel intertwines Grace's first-person narrative with third-person accounts of Dr. Simon Jordan, who evaluates Grace’s mental state. The novel probes themes of gender and class roles, identity, truth, and memory. Sensitive topics include mental health and violence.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Contemplative

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

147,821 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace is praised for its intricate storytelling and rich historical detail, bringing the 19th-century Canadian setting to vivid life. Readers admire the complex character of Grace Marks and Atwood's skillful blending of fact and fiction. However, some find the narrative pacing slow and the multiple perspectives confusing at times. Overall, it's a thought-provoking novel that examines themes of memory, identity, and justice. MLA Review: Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace skillfully melds historical fact with fiction, offering a compelling exploration of identity and justice. While celebrated for intricate storytelling, some readers find its pace lagging and perspectives jarring.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Alias Grace?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with psychological depth and feminist themes will be captivated by Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace. This novel will appeal to fans of Toni Morrison's Beloved and Sarah Waters' Fingersmith—its intricate narrative and exploration of 19th-century societal norms promise a rich, engaging experience.

4.2

147,821 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Grace Marks

An Irish immigrant and convicted of murder, Grace is known for her intelligence, acute observational skills, and remarkable memory, despite experiencing spells of unconsciousness and memory loss during intense emotions.

A psychologist whose professional and personal life unravel as he attempts to uncover the truth about Grace, revealing his own internal conflicts with societal expectations and personal desires.

Grace's close friend and mentor, whose practical and outspoken nature, coupled with aspirations for a better life, leave a lasting impact on Grace after her untimely death.

The housekeeper and mistress of Thomas Kinnear, Nancy employs Grace and becomes a significant figure in her life, though her self-interest and social situation complicate their relationship.

A disgruntled and volatile employee in the Kinnear household, whose animosity towards Nancy and subsequent actions significantly affect the lives of those around him.

A wealthy and liberal employer who engages in a controversial relationship with his housekeeper, Nancy, and whose actions and status shield him from society's judgment.

A Methodist minister and reformer who supports Simon's investigation into Grace's case, believing in her innocence and working towards her pardon.

A peddler with a fluid sense of identity, offering Grace unconventional opportunities and embodying themes of self-construction and defying societal norms.

Book Details
Pages

468

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Canada • 1840s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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