The Blind Assassin: A Novel.

Book Review by Jane
Iris is an older woman, mostly alone in the world but who comes from a local legendary family, who decides to write about the truth behind her sister’s suicide, just after WWII, as well as other family secrets. The Blind Assassin is actually a story within another story about lovers, within this story. This book has so many angles, that at times it may be hard to see how things tie together. But, they do, and there are surprises in how that unfolds. Iris was not exactly the most appealing of people; meager in many ways and spoiled to a point that it was hard to relate. However, when the story would switch to the lovers, I found myself wanting to return to her side, and hear more of her story throughout the book. She is an intelligent lady, but one who had to sacrifice certain freedoms in order to maintain her position in life—not knowing any other way to survive. Her sister, Laura Chase, was a delicate person, but someone who didn’t really buy into selling out for this kind of survival. Of course, there are proper appearances they needed to present to society. But the story has many twists and is more complex than just some old money kids trying to make it in a different world. Cruel, harsh things happened, and the story is all told by Iris in a very blunt, honest way. She only hopes to share these things with her grandchild, with whom her relationship is estranged, and who also apparently faces life very much alone.

The author keeps interest with the storyline, but also with the style of the writing. The story within a story, within a story is neat, and so is the wording when Iris is talking. I had a little problem with the narrating of the lovers, though, as there are some words (and situations) I still don’t like to see in print, and rarely see any true need for, which came across. They are artistic liberties, possibly, but do not add to the story and may take away from it. In fact, if the story of Iris and her sister was written in the 1950s, they would not have come up at all. But in most books you see in the 2000s, it seems they have to add those words and situations; maybe the publisher insists or maybe they are just artistic liberties. I am not sure, but it seems the writers are selling out. Margaret Atwood is not a new writer, however. She has many works out there, more than 25 books. Her books could and should last, if they are similar to The Blind Assassin: A Novel. Although there are a lot worse out there, it is just a shame to have those little “shocker sound bites” come across so many writers have to include, in something as classic as this.

Jane.