One needs concentration and thought to delve into the multiple layers of The Blind Assassin. Iris as an older woman writes of the scandals of her childhood with her sensitive sister Laura. Interwoven in this narrative is the highly acclaimed novel of Laura's, newspaper accounts of the era, and Alex's (Iris' lover, perhaps Laura's too?) science fiction stories. Atwood is at her best weaving a tale around the themes of women and their roles in society, the effects of the wars and Depression on Canada, and the scandals and stories of difficult childhoods.

kind of strange writing style. hard to follow. did not enjoy this book at all. Would not recomend

I have had such a wonderful run of books lately. The Blind Assassin is yet another great book that I’m listing up there as “one of the best I’ve ever read.”

Three main plot line weave throughout the book supported by newspaper clippings and descriptions of photographs. Very intelligently organized, this could have resulted in a confusing montage of events and descriptions, but instead, Atwood manages to compose a wonderful, very tightly structured, novel that keeps you thinking about it long after you’ve put it down.

Iris Chase Griffen is the novels main narrator. She is the daughter of a wealthy factory owner and marries another wealthy factory owner when her own family’s financial situation becomes dire. She and her sister, Laura, grow up in unusual circumstances and their story told in first person makes up one of the plot lines.

The second plot line is the “current” story of Iris as an old woman dealing with a failing heart and realizing that she will soon die. She must tell the story of her life, Laura’s life, her questionable state of mental health (is she crazy or just much more aware of details than the rest of us) and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death (covered up suicide).

The third plot line is the novel-within-a-novel, The Blind Assassin, written by two lovers during their rendezvous. A science fiction that occurs on a different planet, The Blind Assassin is created by the lovers together as the talk before having to separate again to their daily lives.

This book is beautifully written. The wry wit of the elder Iris is wonderful, and I found myself underlining passages just to be able to read them again. Atwood is truly a master craftswoman and I look forward to reading her other books.

loved the format, did not love the subject matter. It's sort of a gloomy, immoral story

Had to fight to get through this one. I did end up finishing it, and there were interesting aspects to this book, that being said, I don't know that I can recommend it when there are so many books out there that really grab you and keep you interested the whole way through.

One of the best novels I've ever read! It's challenging to read but most great literature is. Atwood has a beautiful voice that deeply touched me.

People either loved or hated this book.....a great
discussion book!