Reviews

Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

jjjoaninya's review against another edition

dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

valeadriana's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

The first third of the book dragged on a lot, but as the backstory was told and the actual story of Grace was told by herself and the weird side quests of Dr. Jordan (what was up with that guy huh?) were intertwined, I actually enjoyed this book! Could've been 200 pages shorter though

maarinarz_'s review against another edition

emotional hopeful mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.5

lottie1803's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

m_____artha's review against another edition

5.0

LOVED the history x fictional combination in this. I loved the way it was written, the subject, Grace Marks, being so honest and forthright but also so very secretive and reserved. I felt as though I was in the position of Dr Jordan, trying to discern whether she was telling the truth or not. But she seemed to accept and tolerate her lot, gently showing gratitude towards kindness with the manner of a servant. How could she have murdered someone? At the same time her story seems so passive, especially when told by her. It is tragic but not openly so. 

“I whisper, talk to me , because I would rather have talking then the slow gardening that takes place in silence, with red satin petals dripping down the wall”

jsyn's review against another edition

dark reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

scrollingbooks's review against another edition

4.0

If this book was a meal it would leave me satisfied whilst feeling it needed a little something extra to make it special.
I liked the two narrators, Grace and Simon, especially the telling of Grace's early life and Simon Jordan's story. Bizarrely, when Grace was recounting the events around the time of the murders, the narrative was less compelling. To me, there was a lack of tension, and I didn't really feel any great dilemma regarding if she was innocent or guilty.

Spoiler

That McDermott shot at Grace and that the authorities found the bullet embedded in the kitchen, which backed up her version of accounts, plus her naivety, makes me feel she was innocent.

I felt the character of McDermott was a bit one-dimensional. He always appeared to be glowering, resentful, or generally in a bad mood with life, and there was no nuance to the way he was drawn. There didn't seem to be enough motivation behind the actions he ultimately took, other than he just wasn't very nice and had a chip on his shoulder. This was another reason why

Spoiler

I leaned toward Grace being innocent, because McDermott was in no way attractive to her

Anyhow, I enjoyed the book but without raving about it.

a_chickletz's review against another edition

3.0

Oh man, what a struggle. This took two months to read. Not to say it was bad, it was one of those books you just had to slog through the first 150 pages to take in all the information and then finally the 'story' begins. When it does, it becomes a roller-coaster that you just don't want to put down.

Though the book is fictional, I really felt for Grace and her situation. It was also interesting to see how medical and religion were so hand in hand at one point that the 'ailment' of someone can be supernatural...

Anyway. No problems with Margaret Atwood - her writing is amazing and you really get a nice, clean picture of everything the characters are going through - may it be through the eyes of Grace or her therapist. The story just wasn't one that grasped my attention. If it was, I'd give it a higher rating.

spaghetti75's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

migavoh's review against another edition

mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0