Top critical review
2.0 out of 5 starsNot for everybody.
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on November 19, 2019
Margaret Atwood has become such a famous Canadian author that I thought I should try one of her books. As I expected, it was a bit expensive (c $11). I don't feel that I got value for money spent. The first 12% was frustrating author's self indulgence: a very long lyrical poem or song, a too-long annoying section of stream of consciousness, and a nightmarish delirium of madness. At the time I read these introductory parts of the book, I could not know their relevance to the story as the story not started yet. All in all, the introductory section was laid on with a trowel and just plain annoying.
The story that followed the introduction was expertly written and a real joy to read, just what I expected to find from a famous author. Unfortunately, by that time it was too late; the frustration and annoyance from the beginning section tainted the whole novel for me.
As a Canadian, I am proud that Margaret Atwood's writing has drawn international praise and I am sure the acclaim is well deserved. Unfortunately her style is not for me.
