Rating: 
Summary: Stunning characterization
Review: Margaret Atwood, a gifted writer, proves in this novel that she deserves all the accolades strewn at her feet. The heroine in this novel is depicted with such feeling, depth of character and insight that the reader feels that she is indeed an intimate acquaintance. This novel set in the nineteenth century depicts the morals of the Victoria age with such explicitly that one understands the character's motivations. The author adds flavoring to the characterization by the literary descriptions of the household and the different viewpoints of the classes. Thus, the reader is treated to a story told from several points of view and this makes the reading all the more compelling.
Rating:
Summary: Best Atwood novel EVER
Review: I think it should be manditory for every Canadian to read Margaret Atwood. At the risk of sounding cornball-ish, she really does make me proud to be a Canadian! Quite simply, she's a genius. I can only imagine how difficult it is to write historical fiction. She does so with such style and wit (Atwood's books are often hilarious)so much so that I got through the thick book much quicker than usual. If you have trouble getting through the first few chapters, don't give up. The story really gets interesting when Grace begins her sessions with Simon Jordan, and recounts what brought her from a poor background to being imprisoned for life. Atwood has outdone herself. This is her most wonderful work to date.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: The most interesting facet of this novel is the lack of dialogue; all exchanges are presented in the indirect reported speech. Nineteenth century Canda is fairly depicted while Atwood reconstructs an account of Grace's life before and after the fact. There is a lot to be deciphered in Atwood's attempts to tell the story of a woman but it is not the details that matter but the heroine herself, her self-perception, abuse at the hands of the system and the type of discrimiation that existed in 19th century Canda and its relations with the US. The novel defies predictions and pulls the reader into a trance-like state not as he wonders about what is going to happen next but as he questions Grace's obstiancy, nivate and detachment as she struggles to understand. Grace's case defies the rationality of the age of enlightenment, the tenets of psychology and the norms of the society. A wonderful read from one of the most-renowned novelists in Canada
Rating: 
Summary: Expertly written
Review: You really have to give credit to the author for this book. The Canadian society of the nineteenth century is portrayed with detail, thanks to the research carried out by the talented Mrs. Atwood. This clever writer uses many techniques which contribute to the originality and the uniqueness of this novel, like shifting the point of view from Grace to Dr. Jordan, or allowing us to read the letters exchanged by the various characters of the book, which I really enjoyed. I also liked the idea of including the transcripts from Grace's confession and other accounts, which neatly frame the story into the real events.Why not five stars, then? I am not sure, but I think that the murder story did not really grip me that much, and Grace was a slightly annoying character. I was much more interested in Dr. Jordan, his findings, doubts and fantasies. Overall, a great book, wonderfully written and highly recommendable.
Rating:
Summary: "Alias Grace" is a mesmerizing tour de force.
Review: "Alias Grace" is a stunning novel and a remarkable literary achievement by Margaret Atwood. It is the fictionalized account of Grace Marks, a woman who was tried and convicted for the murder of her employer and a fellow servant in Canada during the 1800's. Atwood depicts the life of Grace Marks poignantly. Grace is born into a very poor family and tragically loses her mother at a young age during a horrible sea voyage from Ireland to Canada. After reaching Canada, Grace is hired out as a domestic in various households. Eventually, she winds up working in the Kinnear household where the murders occur. A large and fascinating portion of the book is devoted to Grace's recollections as told to Simon Jordan, a medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the mind. "Alias Grace" is populated with a large cast of Dickensian characters who are vividly described. The book is filled with delicious sardonic humor. In addition, "Alias Grace" is a social commentary, since Atwood indicts the cruel treatment of the "lower classes" in the 1800's. The detailed descriptions of Grace's endless duties as a servant while the masters of the household live a life of indolence are particularly powerful. Atwood uses clever literary devices to add texture to the novel. She quotes songs and other true life accounts of Grace's "crime," and there is even a drawing of Grace and her "accomplice". Atwood shifts points of view, so that we get the story from different angles. Atwood's style of storytelling is so engrossing that I was completely drawn into this world. Don't miss this excellent novel!
Rating:
Summary: very clever book!
Review: Fantastic recounting of the life and trial of Grace Marks. Loved all the quotes and poems from the newspapers of the time regarding Grace and her supposed lover, James McDermott. Margaret Atwood's use of language and imagery were brilliant and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Rating:
Summary: alias grace
Review: it was a great novel, and i really liked the story telling and the use of the language. I liked all the romances, with grace and all the men that loved her./. That''s why i gave it a 5 star rating.
Rating:
Summary: Alias Grace
Review: Loved this book. Many twists and turns. Even at the end, the reader is left with the question, "What is the truth?"
Rating:
Summary: Loved it, a real page turner.
Review: This is my first book by M.Atwood. I had no idea what to expect, a friend recommended it to me. I was very pleasantly surprised. I enjoy "period" books as it is, but this one is outstanding. The writing is excellent. I felt so attached to Grace and stayed up much too late at night to find out what was going to happen to her next. The switching back and forth in times was done very well. I was a little disappointed with some things about the ending of the book, but don't let that disuade you. Really, a fabulous read about a girl in very difficult circumstances in a time that we can't immagine living in.
Rating:
Summary: Very intriguing and un puttable downable!
Review: I started this book last night at about 8.00 p.m. and I finished it at 8.20 a.m.! I did sleep for a few hours in between. Very well researched and beautifully written and a fascinating storyline. I am now looking for more books by the same author.
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