Barbara Segal

Dark Humor and Dystopian Musings

Reviewed: 12-07-22

Choosing a Margaret Atwood novel, one always knows that human nature will be examined and dissected in all it's darker corners. What was unexpected was the humor, the cultural references, and the preeminence of plot in this story. Told through the experiences of it's two main characters, the clueless Pollyanna like wife, Charmaine, and the dissatisfied catastrophizing husband, Stan, the story follows their journey from destitute car dwellers, to an ostensible utopian community, which becomes more horrific as the novel unfolds. The narrators were fabulous, taking on, not just multiple character voices, but the tone of their attitudes and most private thoughts.  The writing, however was not as rich in imagery and language as other Atwood novels, but it's realistic quality suited the characters and fast moving plotline. Overall, I'd give it a C+, not compelling enough for a 4 star recommendation, but, as an examination of free will, extreme capitalism, and the consequences of individual choices and desires, it's worth a listen 

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4 people found this helpful

interesting story, not very interesting writing

Reviewed: 07-25-22

The story was interesting, a mysterious child on her own in a very rural and isolated place, is taken in by a young biologist with a difficult past. However, the writing was very pedestrian. Almost every spoken line followed by a " she said" or a "he said " Additionally, the narration was very annoying, especially the whiny child's voice.

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