The Robber Bride - Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood certainly knows how to write. Her pacing is impeccable, characters deep and believable, and prose fluid and rich. This is first book of hers that I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and it certainly did not disappoint. It’s refreshing to read something like this from more contemporary author, away from Tom Clancy’s and Robert Ludlam’s.
The story is about one woman, Zenia, told through ideas of three of her victims, Tony, Charis, and Roz. Tony, Charis, and Roz met each other back in University, living in the same dorm. However, if is Zenia’s meddling in their lives that brought the three together. Zenia waltzes through life ripping apart relationships, blackmailing those who open up to her, and taking advantage of everything and everyone around her. Zenia uses weaknesses and vanities of each of the women for maximum advantange, to suck as much out of them as possible.
We see three women’s history with Zenia as well as their own history, providing background information unveiling insights into their thoughts and actions. Their secret fears and longings are revealed through the interaction with Zenia.
We never really truly learn about who or what Zenia really is, but I guess that’s exactly the point. Zenia is there for the three women to overcome, nothing more, nothing less.
There are certain threads in which Atwood seemed little rushed in tying up - what’s up with Boyce, anyway? - but overall, it was very enjoyable read, full of wit, insight, and wry humour.