...by Margaret Atwood, pub. 1981.
In this book we are introduced to the central character of Rennie, a Canadian (of course!) who has recently had a breast removed to prevent the spread of breast cancer.
In order to recover from the traumas of surgery and losing her lover subsequently, she decides to take a working holiday in the (fictional?) Caribbean islands of St Antoine and St Agathe.
What begins as a holiday begins to spiral however into a nightmare scenario of treachery, torture and murder...
I have yet to read a disappointing Atwood novel - maybe there's one out there, but I am beginning to doubt it.
Committing yourself to reading a MA novel is like committing yourself to a full body massage or a spa - guaranteed pleasure, inspiration and transformation for the reader.
Deliciously readable, albeit disturbing.
Each character is clearly sketched/defined and free from cliche, both in terms of description and expression.
The scenario of the rather neglected wannabe tourist attraction islands rings all too true.
And the plot is a series of surprising twists and turns, told with the usual assured and innovative techniques we have come to expect.
Of course, there is no Hollywood feel-good ending...
10/10.
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At first glance it appears that the names St Antoine and St Agathe were inspired by a town and a hotel in Quebec province and Quebec City respectively. I wonder if Margaret Atwood has any connection with Quebec... Yes, she spent much of her younger years there.
ReplyDeleteGood piece of detective work there, Mr Mander! Isn't it fun when authors make oblique references?
ReplyDeleteG.