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Original poster

Margaret attwood

113 replies

marissab · 25/04/2013 17:54

I adore handmaids tale. I love the futuristic 1984-ish bleak future themes. Are her other books along the same themes? I don't know whether they'll live up to HMT.

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 25/04/2013 21:23

Nope - you won't convince me. At her best (ie HMT) I think she is sublime - I just don't think she is always at her best.

Lazyjaney · 25/04/2013 21:13

Love The Penelopiad - looks at Penelope's life maintaining a kingdom while Odysseus was away. Short book too, double bonus.

AnyFucker · 25/04/2013 21:05

Why ? Because she nails it so smoothly, elegantly and efficiently ?

Yes, that can be annoying, I guess.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 25/04/2013 21:04

She doesn't make me feel uncomfortable at all though - she just annoys me a bit.

AnyFucker · 25/04/2013 21:03

Bun The Handmaid's Tale is depressing.

But Margaret Atwood foresaw the way women would become the "sex class" in her novel, and there are many parallels in today's society

And yes, it is uncomfortable to comprehend. It doesn't make it any less relevant, or any less so fucking clever though

AnyFucker · 25/04/2013 21:00

Remus you have it wrong

She is a critiquer du royale of men, but i don't think she "dislikes" them

if she makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, then she is doing something right, you see Smile

BaconAndAvocado · 25/04/2013 20:37

Cat's Eye is my fave of MA's. The way she depicts bullying is compelling.

Handmaid's Tale is my fave sci-di novel.

Bunbaker · 25/04/2013 20:26

I agree Remus

kneedeepindaisies · 25/04/2013 20:26

Another recommendation for Alias Grace. I've lost my copy but this thread has prompted me to buy it again.

Original poster
marissab · 25/04/2013 20:24

Oh i prefer depressing so it's looking good that she's gonna be top of my list. I am definately gonna read some of her others now. Infact if she's so great, i'm embarressed i've not read more before now Blush HMT is in my top 5 best books ever. Right up there with 1984 and better than brave new world. Love love love it.

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 25/04/2013 20:24

I think my biggest problem with her is that she lets her seeming disliking of men get in the way of her stories, so the point becomes more important to her than the telling of a decent story. I felt this particularly strongly in, 'Alias Grace' iirc.

JoyceDivision · 25/04/2013 20:22

I love alias grace! HMT tho, chilling!

Angela Carter isvery good. i read The Magic Toyshop for my 6th form english and absolutely loved it.

Bunbaker · 25/04/2013 20:20

I have tried really hard to like her books but have found them rather depressing.

chibi · 25/04/2013 20:18

she is my hands down favourite author

ThePathanKhansAmnesiac · 25/04/2013 20:17

Yes I love her too. The Blind Assassin made me weep, just brilliant,Remus please, please try again, you will just love it.

chibi · 25/04/2013 20:17

my husband knocked her over in london once (by accident) in a church

she was v graceful about it

SerenaJoy · 25/04/2013 20:16

Me too AF. It's sort of depressing in a way - I used to harbour aspirations of writing something myself, but reading MA makes me realise how thick I actually am, and how much of a genius she is! Grin and Sad

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 25/04/2013 20:12

Nope, I don't think I'd dribble over Mags. I probably WOULD lose all control in the presence of Germaine Greer though, because I think she is gorgeous.

steben · 25/04/2013 20:12

I bloody love MA - and really rate both oryx and crake and year of the flood - the final part of the trilogy is out in sept and I am beside myself with anticipation!

AnyFucker · 25/04/2013 20:10

I would do that, Serena, seriously I would. I go into stoopid Hero Worship mode at the mention of her name. The talent of her !

SerenaJoy · 25/04/2013 20:08

[jealous of AnyFucker]

I met her at a book signing once, she is amazing. I had to stop myself from clinging to her skirts and begging her to adopt me.

AnyFucker · 25/04/2013 20:04

Was it about biscuits, Remus ?

A claim to fame is a claim to fame don't knock it Smile

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 25/04/2013 20:03

The highlight of mine was Gordon Brown replying to my question on here!

Meringue33 · 25/04/2013 20:03

Love them all. Oryx and Crake may be my all time favourite sci fi book

AnyFucker · 25/04/2013 20:02

You may post next to me, Remus Wink

< seriously was one of the highlights of my online life >