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Mark Porton's Reviews > Surfacing
Surfacing
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Surfacing by Margaret Atwood to my dismay was mostly unenjoyable.
The story is about two couples who venture out into the Canadian wilderness to look for the main character's missing father.
Initially I found the interplay between the 4 main characters interesting, as it was a good illustration of how some couples function, or don't function as it were.
But, I need to confess, there was so much of this story I just didn't understand. In fact, as I was barrelling towards the end, I felt the whole thing spinning out of control.
I believe the themes involve nature, madness, prehistoric history, vegetables, abhorrence of the modern world, self-sufficiency and maybe spirits - I think.
My first Atwood book, shame because it hasn't given me an appetite for more of her work. I was really happy to finish it.
2 Stars
The story is about two couples who venture out into the Canadian wilderness to look for the main character's missing father.
Initially I found the interplay between the 4 main characters interesting, as it was a good illustration of how some couples function, or don't function as it were.
But, I need to confess, there was so much of this story I just didn't understand. In fact, as I was barrelling towards the end, I felt the whole thing spinning out of control.
I believe the themes involve nature, madness, prehistoric history, vegetables, abhorrence of the modern world, self-sufficiency and maybe spirits - I think.
My first Atwood book, shame because it hasn't given me an appetite for more of her work. I was really happy to finish it.
2 Stars
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Reading Progress
December 8, 2020
–
Started Reading
December 8, 2020
– Shelved
December 10, 2020
– Shelved as:
modern-fiction
December 10, 2020
– Shelved as:
mystery
December 10, 2020
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-23 of 23 (23 new)
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message 1:
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Anne
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Dec 10, 2020 03:45AM
Mark, it's too bad that you started with this one. If you want to give Atwood another try I'd suggest The Blind Assassin or Alias Grace.
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A good, honest review Mark ........ I would echo Anne’s recommendations above though. Worth giving her another go I reckon :)
Thanks Anne and Richard, yes - maybe this one wasn't for me at this moment in time - I'll certainly try again though!! Blind Assassin it is :)
Hope your next book by Ms Atwood is much, muchh better :)) Honest review, Mark :)
Thanks so much Beata, I hope so too - she's obviously a very good author, maybe a better writer than I am a reader? 😁
Mark wrote: "Thanks so much Beata, I hope so too - she's obviously a very good author, maybe a better writer than I am a reader? 😁"Mark, I have noticed that despite reading ALL books by some authors, there aren't many whose ALL books I enjoyed, and I think it's rather natural .. I have read two or three books by Ms Atwood, and found them good, but I'm sure they are some that I may not enjoy that much ;) Take care! :)
Yeah I think you're right Beata, in some ways its nice being late to the party being an avid reader. I used to read only 4 or 5 a year then realised there are so many books to read and so little time. It's a wonderful adventure - one of the best things I've done, but one or two books beat me completely. But yes, its probably the same for everyone. Have a great Xmas!! 🙂
I feel exactly the same, Mark :)) Grand adventure and some wonderful Friends over here :)) A wonderful Xmas to you & your, Mark! :))
Mark, I encourage you to try more of her works. I have read 8 of her books, and Surfacing is my least favorite. It was an early effort, maybe even her debut, I cannot recall for sure.
Thanks Joy, I have Blind Assassin on my TBR, so I'm optimistic!!
I'm going to echo Joy's comment. I've read almost all of Atwood's work and I think this one is her most underwhelming. I gave it 4 stars for the writing, but I can't stand the story. I believe that The Edible Woman was her actual debut novel, and it's also one of my favorites, but I do think The Blind Assassin is her magnum opus, though others believe it's The Handmaid's Tale.
Yes, I just confirmed that The Edible Woman was her debut, it was published in 1969. Surfacing followed closely behind in '72. I think The Edible Woman is far more likely to appeal to female readers, but, regardless it was brilliant, especially when compared to this one.
Julie, Well I am relieved to read others believe this isn't one of her best nor most understood or enjoyable stories. I loved the Handmaid's Tale series on TV and will certainly read that at some stage.
Just imagine how painful this read was for me. You're at least a scientist! I was like. . . if she talks about the microbes or amoebas or whatnot one more time! And what in the hell happens to her at the end of the story? And who cared anymore?
Hahaha too right!! I really didn't care much either - I still find the whole thing a bit baffling :))
Mark, I never wrote a review for this one, but if I did, it would echo your exact thoughts here! I'm officially a member of the Atwood fan club now, however. I have no reason to doubt that if you continue with her work, you will be applying for the club card too :) I know The Blind Assassin is a favorite with most of her readers. I liked that one a lot, but I would crown Alias Grace as my favorite so far. Cat's Eye was also a marvel for me this year :)
Hi, Mark! I'm one of those people who love this book, but at the same time completely understand why anyone wouldn't. As I mentioned in response to your comment on my review, it's not really representative of her style. It's more experimental and edgy and the plot is terribly ethereal. There are so many fantastic ones of hers to choose from that aren't in the least bit like Surfacing, so once you've had a chance to recover from this read....
I’ve read two of Mrs Atwood novels and I was not impressed. I mean both got a three star rating so obviously I saw something in them. Well, let’s just say that I didn’t fall in love with her work (so far). I’m still going to give her a third and last chance though. Brilliant review, Mark.
Candi wrote: "Mark, I never wrote a review for this one, but if I did, it would echo your exact thoughts here! I'm officially a member of the Atwood fan club now, however. I have no reason to doubt that if you c..."Thanks Candi, Member of the Atwood Fan Cub........is it free?? I will certainly keep trying - Handmaid's Tale, the TV Series was brilliant!
Robin wrote: "Hi, Mark! I'm one of those people who love this book, but at the same time completely understand why anyone wouldn't. As I mentioned in response to your comment on my review, it's not really repres..."Yep that's coming through loud and clear now Robin, I must say I was slightly relieved after I posted my review to find other reviews were mixed - so much for wanting to the the one, strong, lone voice - ha!
Pedro wrote: "I’ve read two of Mrs Atwood novels and I was not impressed. I mean both got a three star rating so obviously I saw something in them. Well, let’s just say that I didn’t fall in love with her work (..."Thanks very much Pedro, what was the other book you read of Atwood's? I reckon 3 books is a good go for any author, if that doesn't work - a 4th isn't worth it :)
Mark, I’ve read The Handmaid’s Tale and The Blind Assassin and I can’t say I fell in love with them. I don’t think the problem is the writing but there’s something about the way Mrs Atwood tells a story that doesn’t “click� with me. I still can’t say exactly what it is but I will get there (or hopefully not).
Pedro wrote: "Mark, I’ve read The Handmaid’s Tale and The Blind Assassin and I can’t say I fell in love with them. I don’t think the problem is the writing but there’s something about the way Mrs Atwood tells a ..."Oh dear Pedro, well if it doesn't click it doesn't click - at least you've tried......I'll see how Blind Assassin goes!
