Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood

“Cat's Eye” is the story of Elaine Risley, a controversial painter who returns to Toronto, the city of her youth, for a retrospective of her art. Engulfed by vivid images of the past, she reminisces about a trio of girls who initiated her into the fierce politics of childhood and its secret world of friendship, longing, and betrayal. Elaine must come to terms with her own identity as a daughter, a lover, an artist, and a woman--but above all she must seek release from her haunting memories.

After having read “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Blind Assassin” by Margaret Atwood, both very unusual books, I expected something along the same line for this book.  On the surface it is just a story of a young girl/woman and how the events of her childhood help determine who she would be as an adult.  It is beneath the surface that the remarkableness of this book comes to light.  Atwood is a master wordsmith.  She can evoke emotion, describe a scene, and convey a conversation like few authors I know.  This was a delight to read. I would love to discuss this work with someone.

4 stars (Rated PG13)