Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
Started Reading: April 10, 2008
Finished Reading: April 13, 2008
This is my first time reading Atwood and I generally liked it. Though I’m not a big fan of mystery and murder, the whole 19th-century setting drew me in. And it is an interesting story and quite different from the usual novels I read. The only set-back for me is the fact that there was no definite answer for everything. I myself have my own speculations but when it comes down to it, the verdict for Grace Marks’ innocence is subjective. I’m the kind of person who appreciates a clear “yes” or “no” and grew up not liking the whole “I don’t know” option.
I liked most of the characters, which was good since I truly wanted to know what happened before and after, since they’re mostly linked together. Only I didn’t like Dr. Jordan. I just hated his character. But I could tolerate him since he was a source of amusement for Grace.
** SPOILERS **
I wonder how Grace regarded Dr. Jordan though. She put too much credit to his character — far more than he deserved. I could not believed she had faith that the doctor still sent that letter. I’m convinced that she likes him, though not exactly in the romantic sense, to have some trust in him.
My favorite character must be Jeremiah the peddler. I believe Grace would have been happier with him since he seemed to have such a fun, loyal character. He had been with Grace from the start and even went as far as to fight for her freedom (the way he did it really was amusing!). The time when he hypnotized her — I don’t think it was Grace speaking there. I’ve formed a theory that it was someone else (the Mrs. Something that owned the house) that must have been “throwing her voice” to make it seem like it was Mary Whitney speaking while Grace sleeps throughout the ordeal.
I’m a Grace/Jeremiah shipper, which is basically why I did not enjoy the ending.
Jamie — I do not like him much, though I do like him more than I do Dr. Jordan. Still. I think he is a foolish boy despite the years that have passed, though I appreciated the fact that he still wanted to marry Grace, since that must have helped her as she went back to being “free”. Though, for the series, there never truly was freedom for Grace Marks.
I liked the book, overall, despite some questions unanswered.
Tags: Margaret Atwood