Deb answers “Almost two years later and I still cannot...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about The Blind Assassin:

Almost two years later and I still cannot finish this book. I am more than half way through, but I just can't finish it. Why, oh why? It's been picked up and abandoned multiple times. I'm not sure if the reason is because the story moves too slowly for my taste or if the dialogue is putting me off. Should I continue? For those who have read this book, does the ending make up for the first half?

Deb I didn't mind the pace so much because I knew that I was being led through layers of history, like an paleontologist through limestone. What I struggl…moreI didn't mind the pace so much because I knew that I was being led through layers of history, like an paleontologist through limestone. What I struggled with was the character of Iris herself through the first half of the book, and her passive acceptance of everything that came to her. It's hard when there's no character you identify with. (Actually, I identified more with Laura and would have liked to hear more of her side.) I confess I speed-read a bit to get through some of the denser parts. Always, the incredible writing and turn of phrase compelling me to keep going. Into the second half, however, I had to keep reading to find out how the layers would resolve. In the end, I felt it was worth it. But I agree with Chet - if you're not loving it, let it go.(less)

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The Blind Assassin

by Margaret Atwood (Goodreads Author)

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