Well-written and sharply observed. There is, it must be said, a fantastic ending. Yet it's Atwood's first novel, I believe, and I wonder if the pacing isn't a little off - the book can feel glutinous, as if there's not a lot of forward momentum. That's potentially by design of course: the main character, Marian, is being slowly eaten away at by the conventions of her very normal life, and plots are lost.

I should feel sympathy. Social conventions can be very restrictive, I understand... but I wanted to tell her "Get a hold of yourself, for God's sake!" I suppose at least I'm aware she deserves some sympathy, even if I don't feel that inclined to give it.