I loved this book, perhaps even more than The Handmaid’s Tale, which I also rated 4.5. Whereas The Handmaid’s Tale was mostly a cautionary tale about men’s subjugation of women, Cat’s Eye is about girls subjugating and intimidating other girls. Elaine Risley as an adult is a successful artist, but as a little girl she was bullied by her friends and their ringleader, Cordelia. What makes little girls (and big ones!) do this, and why do the ones being tormented let them do it?
In an interview in the back of the book, Atwood states this is her most autobiographical novel, and she states the theme of the book as follows:
Cat’s Eye is about how girlhood traumas continue into adult life. Girls have a culture marked by secrets and shifting alliances, and these can cause a lot of distress. The girl who was your friend yesterday is not your friend today, but you don’t know why. These childhood power struggles color friendships between women. I’ve asked women if they fear criticism more from men or from other women. The overwhelming answer was: “From women.”
In typical Atwood fashion, there were also themes concerning male-female relationships. In one painting of Elaine’s, called Falling Women, she describes what was meant in the artwork:
There were no men in this painting, but it was about men, the kind who caused women to fall. I did not ascribe any intentions to these men. They were like the weather, they didn’t have a mind. They merely drenched you or struck you like lightning and moved on, mindless as blizzards. Or they were like rocks, a line of sharp slippery rocks with jagged edges. You could walk with care along between the rocks, picking your steps and if you slipped you’d fall and cut yourself, but it was no use blaming the rocks.
That must be what was meant by fallen women. Fallen women were women who had fallen onto men and hurt themselves. There was some suggestion of downward motion, against one’s will and not with the will of anyone else. Fallen women were not pulled-down women or pushed women, merely fallen.
Definitely one to read if you’ve enjoyed other Atwood novels.
1988, 462 pp.
Rating: 4.5
I loved Handmaid’s Tale, so to hear you say Cat’s Eye is perhaps even better, wants to make me rush to it right away. I bought a paperback copy for 25 cents at a used book store recently (in great condition, too!). About time I opened it.
I am really looking forward to getting around to this at some stage. I love what I have read by her so far. I am starting The Blind Assassin soon which has had some great reviews.
I had put this one aside, but now I’m back to it and enjoying it very much. I love me some Atwood.
Great review, Michelle! As you know, I loved this one too!!
I have yet to read any of her books, but have the Handmaid’s Tail listed as a future TBR. Your post makes Cat’s Eye another one of her books I should add. Thanks for a great review!
Nice review. I just finished The Blind Assassin and have read The Handmaid’s Tale. Looks like I’ll be adding Cat’s Eye to my TBR pile of books.
That was great, now where is the bookmark button…
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