A very long book at 460 pages. I read this one on my own whilst L catches up with me, I am such a fast reader!
Atwood took a real-life person - Grace Marks - from the 1840s-70s, and fictionalized the story. We want it tied up with a "fiction" bow, but Atwood's goal is not to rewrite history. Instead, we get a very real view of women's lives in the 19th century. A time when their options were few. I appreciated the historical context of this story, and the characters are engaging, mostly. There were times when I wished the book was closer to conclusion.
Atwood is great with the written word, and she really delves into how women were thought to be crazy. I guess I'm glad I read it, though I'd be hard pressed to urge anyone I know to read it.
Characters, Grace Marks, her friend Mary Whitney. James McDermott was the hired hand. Dr. Simon Jordan interviews her years later (single guy, his mother harps on him to marry, he lives at a boarding house where the maid Dora is crude, rude). Jeremiah the Peddler. Jamie Walsh, teen who plays the flute. And of course the 2 victims, Mr. Kinnear and Nancy.
3.5 out of 5 stars. Good view of women's history. A very character-driven book (versus plot-driven). A bit too long for my taste, but I never actually felt like skimming or quitting the book. It helped that I had the book both on audio and in-print.
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