The Blind Assassin – margaret atwood

What’s it about?
A sci-fi tale that mirrors the highs and lows of a true life romance as it spirals downhill, intersposed between an autobiographic tale of Iris’ (the main protagonist’s) life.

Highs n lows
Three books in one you either get this clever juxtaposition of fiction and fact or you don’t. You are taken on an interesting journey through the economic development of Canada and the very different mores of the time (1930’s), as you follow the Chase family fortunes as well as that of the fictional population of Sakiel-Norn.

Weaving through a lifetime of decisions contrasting the lot of duty vs freedom of will, and exposing class taboos, The Blind Assassin is an intriguing mix of history and fiction. Told in a fictional mix of flashback, current day narrative and news clippings, it is an interesting tale but one that could have effectively been shortened without spoiling the plot.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5

Bookclub discussion primer
* Bearing in mind Iris’ relationship with her sister-in-law, who do you think was stronger in the end, Laura or Iris?
* Do you think that the story of the Blind Assassin is based on an actual relationship, or a complete work of fiction?
* The rebel and the conformist – how accurate is this as a description of Laura and Iris?
* Iris often describes Laura as ‘special’ and one who didn’t realise the consequences of her actions. Who is the more naïve about the real world of the two?