The Blind Assassin is a great achievement, regardless of how you feel about the story, you will be in awe of Margaret Atwood’s talent after reading this book. I happened to also really like the story and appreciated her masterful literary approach combined with page-turning story telling. TBA is not a quick read though, apart from the complexity of the storyline, the language and descriptions demand to be savoured.

TBA tells the life story of Iris Chase Griffen, and its strength lies in those heartbreaking and authentic observations on a life lived. The storytelling method is a bit complex as it is told by going back and forth through four different narrative styles. At first I found it somewhat challenging to keep up with, but within 100 pages or so, it all starts to fall together.

Although this is not really a ‘happy’ ending, there is a redemptive quality to it, which I always appreciate. The overall feel of the book is somewhat sad, permeated with great wisdom and reflections on the bittersweet nature of life. I liked it for reasons similar to why I like Melina Marchetta-it is just an incredibly wise meditation on life (minus the cute/hot Jonah Giggs/Tom Mackee types).

The thing that was a delightful surprise for me was how incredibly witty Atwood is, so many funny and spot-on observations about the world. One of my faves, on the topic of God: “There was mutual respect, and if you were in trouble you’d call on him, as with lawyers; but as with lawyers, it would have to bad trouble. Otherwise it didn’t pay to get too mixed up with him.” (p.52)

A challenging read, but well worth the effort. Atwood's reputation is well deserved.