70 pages • 2 hours read
The Blind Assassin
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Book Brief
536
Novel • Fiction
Canada • 1930s-1940s
2000
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood intertwines three narratives: Iris Chase Griffen’s memoir recounting her troubled family history, a novel-within-a-novel originally attributed to her deceased sister Laura but actually penned by Iris, and a story set in the fantastical city of Sakiel-Norn told by lovers in Laura's novel. The narratives explore themes of love, loss, and the complex interplay between personal and familial legacy. The book includes sensitive topics such as sexual abuse, mental health struggles, and untimely deaths.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
163,851 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews of Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin commend its intricate narrative structure and rich, layered storytelling. Readers appreciate the blending of genres and compelling characters. Some find it dense and challenging, with pacing issues in parts. Overall, it is hailed as a thought-provoking and masterfully crafted novel that rewards patient readers.
Who Should Read The Blind Assassin?
Lovers of intricate narratives and multi-layered storytelling will relish The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood. Fans of novels like The Handmaid's Tale and Atonement by Ian McEwan, which explore complex characters and intertwined plots, will find this blend of historical fiction and literary drama captivating.
163,851 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
536
Novel • Fiction
Canada • 1930s-1940s
2000
Adult
18+ years
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