Saturday, January 23, 2010

The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood

Book Details
The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood
Hardcover, 336 pages
1998, Anchor
ISBN: 0385491069

Synopsis
Ever since her engagement, the strangest thing has been happening to Marian McAlpin: she can't eat. First meat. Then eggs, vegetables, cake, pumpkin seeds - everything! Worse yet, she has the crazy feeling that she's being eaten. Marian ought to feel consumed with passion, but she really just feels...consumed.

Review
The Edible Woman was full of deep, meaningful thoughts. It was quite obvious that more was going on than just what was written on the page. Unfortunately, I couldn't quite figure out what the actual message was supposed to be. Women sabotage themselves? They relinquish control to men? They need to fix people? They judge each other? Food issues are a sign of insecurity? Even food has feelings? Something else entirely? I couldn't grasp the point.

The story itself was decent, but not very compelling. It took me a long while to finish the book because it was such dry reading. I usually thoroughly enjoy Margaret Atwood's books, but this early novel was not her best.

Rating

Links
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4 comments :

  1. Bummer! I am sorry this book didn't deliver! I usually love Atwood...

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  2. I admire Atwood's writing, but this book sounds odd and confusing.

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  3. Oooo bummer. It sounded so interesting. Thanks for the cool review.

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  4. I haven't read anything by Atwood yet, but I think I'll stay away from this one for my first Atwood attmept.

    Too bad this one didn't live up to your expectations!

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