lethargicbumblebee's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.25
domferreri's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I found this book very tedious to read. Metempsychosis was the most interesting short story in this collection, but the others lacked intrigue or ingenuity. I have been impressed with Margaret Atwood's work in the past, but this book is one to skip.
chuettemann's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
hannah_greendale's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
jbmorgan86's review against another edition
3.0
This is an odd short story collection. It’s divided up into three sections. I and III deal with an aging couple (Nell and Tig) and the eventual loss of one of the lovers. Section II is a hodgepodge collection of stories in various styles and genres.
I like Atwood at her weirdest. I cared much more about Oryx and Crake than Nell and Tig. Some of the stories in this middle section are great. I particularly liked “My Evil Mother” (about a protective witch mother), “The Dead Interview” (an interview between Atwood and the ghost of Orwell), “Death by Clamshell” (an address by the martyred philosopher/scientist Hypatia), and “Metempsychosis” (a story about a slug reincarnated as a human).
I like Atwood at her weirdest. I cared much more about Oryx and Crake than Nell and Tig. Some of the stories in this middle section are great. I particularly liked “My Evil Mother” (about a protective witch mother), “The Dead Interview” (an interview between Atwood and the ghost of Orwell), “Death by Clamshell” (an address by the martyred philosopher/scientist Hypatia), and “Metempsychosis” (a story about a slug reincarnated as a human).
laurafd's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
3.0
bldinmt's review against another edition
5.0
The stories involving Nell & Tig were really moving. They wove through time and through the book. These stories touch on the small moments that add up to a lifetime together and made my heart soar and break in turn. While beautifully written they made me a little mournful, too, as I imagined myself in Nell's place. All in due time.
Possibly my favorite story though was the one where Margaret Atwood has a conversation with the spirit of George Orwell via a clairvoyant. "The Dead Interview. "That was awesome. All 15 stories were excellent though.
Possibly my favorite story though was the one where Margaret Atwood has a conversation with the spirit of George Orwell via a clairvoyant. "The Dead Interview. "That was awesome. All 15 stories were excellent though.