Bluebeard's Egg - Margaret Atwood

Advantages: threesomes, commanders, eggs eggs eggs eggs, gothicness
Disadvantages: the historical notes, lack of fist.

...where to begin? "the handmaids tale", surely atwood's tour de force., the most profoundly gothic novel i have ever read. I belive in atwood we have found a truely brilliant gothic voice, a voice that will surely personify the disenchantment of women everywhere and the fear of world-wide domination by leather-clad men only after one thing - THEIR OVARIES! walking wombs clad in throbbing, fertile red. However as the "voice" and principle character in this "tale" says., "what more could one want but an egg? sometimes i think God is an egg" indeed we have to consider that this may well be true., despite the loss of child, the rape by commander in 2*4 motion and overall loss of independance for women, eggs absoulutely rule, if offred had one, surely it would all be okay. Then there is lovely lesbian Moira, the representation... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: compelling storyline
Disadvantages: initial character confusion

...I was first introduced to Margaret Atwood through a recommendation from a school teacher and have been a huge fan ever since. The Robber Bride did not disappoint. I think it is one of her best. In the beginning, it takes a little concentration to follow which character is speaking but as the reader becomes more familiar with the characters, their identities soon become recognisable, even without introduction. Margaret Atwood is a great author and this is definitely reflected in The Robber Bride. I found it difficult to put down. The character development has a depth that you would expect of Atwood and the novel has an intriguing twist towards the conclusion, making interesting to the end. I would recommend this novel to anyone, but particularly to those who have read other Atwood books and enjoyed them.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Funny and highly entertaining.
Disadvantages: Like all Atwood , is a bit wordy.

...The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood is based on Homers Odyssy. This however is not simply the idiots guide to Homer! Its an interesting exploration into the thoughts and feelings of Penelope (wife of Odysseus) written with her as the narrator after her murder. The voice is of a bitter woman who has not forgiven her husband for leaving her for years and years and then later having her killed - which seems understandable to me! Whats also interesting is Penelope's view on Helen (Helen of Troy) who is viewed as a sex symbol and steals men! A great story, very witty and sarcastic with a decent amount of sex and scandal thrown in for good measure! Another triumph by Atwood and well worth listening to. It comes highly recommended by me and all my friends who borrowed it afterwards.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful