dancefever's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Parts of this book I really enjoyed: the postmodern shiftiness of the truth, the eeriness of the bright sun-baked Caribbean setting, the keen observation of female objectification. Other parts not so much: some parts just felt like a bit of a drag. However, upon reflection, i think that's entirely the point.
Quite a few of the reviews I have read for this book mention frustration with the protagonist, Rennie, and her lack of agency. She never instigates, never does anything: only has things done to her. As much as I see this in the novel, I think that it is representative of Atwood's wider thematic concerns: of women being objects, pawns for men to play about with. This is highlighted by the sexual abuse and voyeurism suffered by the women throughout the text, as well Rennie's sense of alienation from her own body due to her cancer and highlighted by the John Berger epigraph at the beginning. THe ending was fantastic:
Though i felt it lacked direction at times, I think that is part and parcel of the objective. For the most part, it is a deeply intriguing and evocative investigation into the male gaze; modern sense of disconnect from violence and, well, bodily harm; and how these issues affect women as the objects of desire.
Quite a few of the reviews I have read for this book mention frustration with the protagonist, Rennie, and her lack of agency. She never instigates, never does anything: only has things done to her. As much as I see this in the novel, I think that it is representative of Atwood's wider thematic concerns: of women being objects, pawns for men to play about with. This is highlighted by the sexual abuse and voyeurism suffered by the women throughout the text, as well Rennie's sense of alienation from her own body due to her cancer and highlighted by the John Berger epigraph at the beginning. THe ending was fantastic:
Spoiler
Rennie's ability to fly away from all of the violence and corruption she discovers in St Antoine showing her own disconnect with her body and lack of agency, as well speaking to today's sense of disconnect from suffering and violence due to the oversaturated news cycle.Though i felt it lacked direction at times, I think that is part and parcel of the objective. For the most part, it is a deeply intriguing and evocative investigation into the male gaze; modern sense of disconnect from violence and, well, bodily harm; and how these issues affect women as the objects of desire.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Police brutality, Rape, and Violence
Minor: Drug use and Excrement
savannahjane328's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Violence, Medical trauma, Gun violence, Stalking, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Rape, and Police brutality
libt11's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Medical content, Cancer, Police brutality, Medical trauma, and Emotional abuse
sofipitch's review
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
I didn't like much about this book, the plot was slow to develop, or happen, a lot of focus on what felt like inconsequential things, and the characters are hard to like.
The only thing that kept me going is Atwood's prose. Honestly she could write the backs of shampoo bottles and I'd read them. She's a talented writer, but this book was not for me.
The only thing that kept me going is Atwood's prose. Honestly she could write the backs of shampoo bottles and I'd read them. She's a talented writer, but this book was not for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Misogyny, Police brutality, and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Sexual violence
amyfalconer's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I found this novel disturbing and discomforting, although wonderfully written. I read it in a day, and I often think about it with a less-than-fond recognition.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Violence
The novel explores a toxic relationship between the protagonist and her lover. It is an exploration of the lust for power and control.raesengele's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Confinement, Death, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Physical abuse, Police brutality, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content
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