Rating: 
Summary: This book is a literary pearl...
Review: I agree with several other reviewers that there is a noticeable difference in style between the early and later works of Margaret Atwood. However, as one of the foremost Canadian writers of the 20th century, she has established an outstanding reputation through her infamous prose. The love, the suspense, the tragedy, the link between "Surfacing" and everyday life - all are realistically depicted.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing for Atwood fans
Review: I am an avid Margaret Atwood fan, and thus felt compelled to finish reading this book in the hope that it would somehow be as emotionally provocative as are many of her other works. Yet I felt incredibly disappointed in this earlier work of hers. Although her writing is interesting and the symbolism is vivid, it feels like Margaret Atwood is still searching for her literary voice and style. This novel seems to represent her search for her writing style, as it flips between using poetic symbolism and diary-style narratives. Quite disappointing- and I recommend to anyone reading this as their first Atwood attempt, to read another of her much greater works (i.e. Bodily Harm, Alias Grace, Robber Bride, Wilderness Tips) to truly experience the power of her writing.
Rating:
Summary: Stylistic work of art, but a bit misanthropic
Review: I am not satisfied with this book. I find it too narrow-minded and cynical. At some parts it even supports hatred, eg (speaking about people in general) 'I wanted ...a machine... that would evaporate them...that way there would be more room for the animals.' (end of 18th Ch). Though this may be just a phase in protagonist's development I just couldn't empathize with her. Otherwise I liked her style of writing and I got quite involved with the protagonist in some passges. But, I disapprove of exaggerations in this novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Can this be the same author as 'Amazing Grace'?
Review: I found this book very disappointing, and actually, outright disgusting. Past and present are all jumbled together with awful character development, throughout. Normally, if I don't care for a book, I give it away. This one I threw away.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining, yet meaningful
Review: I have a feeling that those who rated this book with three or less stars have no idea what the book is about. If you're searching for a bit of fluff, this is not the book to turn to. Although it isn't a difficult read, it also is not a shallow one. In fact, Margaret Atwood's searing and relentless eye for detail is in its earliest stages here. Any fan will appreciate _Surfacing_.In _Surfacing_, Margaret Atwood addresses the issue of identity as reflected by the artifice around you - both in the people you know and the person you are instructed to become. Nothing in this book is what it seems, but rather, it is a clever facade meant to impart meaning to the reader. The nameless narrator of _Surfacing_ engages in a deep journey into the wild bush of Northern Quebec, which becomes a metaphor for her process of recovering self and identity. The land is used as a backdrop for the renunciation of a distorted self-image. What this book ultimately does is provides us with insight into how we also function as individuals and just what is it that makes us who we are? Is each human being just a pastiche? Atwood gives you four fascinating characters that are peeled apart to the core and, even though it is only the main protagonist that goes through a physical journey in finding herself, we also witness the psychic journeys of those around her and realize what it means to be a man, woman, artist, a mother, father, wife, husband, and sister. No role is left untouched. _Surfacing_ is also a very entertaining book and can be read on many levels. Highly recommended!
Rating: 
Summary: Good,but disturbing
Review: I have read several other of Margaret Atwood's books and have really enjoyed them.I was quite impressed to see that she gave away the $20,000 that she won from a Book Award.In view of the terribly tragedy that has just occurred in America I was very upset to read of the main character's anti-American remarks,especially about flag-waving.That was just to unsettling for me.I am hoping that Margaret Atwood does not feel that way personally about the United States.
Rating: 
Summary: Lost me toward the end.
Review: I like Margaret Atwood -- after reading LADY ORACLE, I wanted to read this book, especially after having seen parts of the movie years ago. While Ms. Atwood is a fine writer, she really lost me toward the end of the book. Her prose had become so arcane and abstruse that I simply couldn't make it throught the last few chapters. Also, the action unfolds WAY too slowly: Just when the main character (I can't remember her name now) is about to happen upon an important clue concerning her father's disappearance, the action veers off to another direction. It's as if Ms. Atwood had a bad case of ADD while writing this book. I think the main character's father's body was found at the bottom of that bay or whatever body of water was close at hand --I THINK. I was so lost and confused at that point that I had lost all track of what was happening. This would have been a much more effective novel if it were faster-paced and not hampered by such cumbersome prose.
Rating:
Summary: Too Weird
Review: I was forced to read this book for a sociology class. It was extremely difficult to digest and not comprehensive at all. I can't imagine reading this for pleasure! And, the experience has kept me from picking up any other work by Atwood!
Rating:
Summary: Profoundly overated work with limited appeal
Review: I was forced to read this for a feminist theories class and almost fell asleep during several portions of the book, as well as our class discussion. While part of the assignment is the teacher's fault (insisting on standard English for assingments while touting this book) I really do not think anybody should have to be subjected to such a horrid arrangement. Having previously heard about Ms. Atwood's writing from numerous feminist friends who were active in the second wave, I really wanted to give her work a chance, and thus was disappointed by the style. Since we already know the protagonist is trying to sort her life out and come to grips with a past abortion, the language structure only produces a giant headache--especially for those on tight academic assignment deadlines. This book would be okay for leisiure reading, but under no circumstances should be expected reading for a two week (or less period).
Rating:
Summary: Dreary Dreck
Review: I'll never forget how much I hated this book, a miserable read that stands as a yardstick to measure everything I hate in fiction. Because my first Atwood novel was the masterful "A Handmaid's Tale", I eagerly sought out a replay of that unforgettable book by reading her first really acclaimed work. Reading this thin volume felt like a lifetime's penance for every novel I have ever enjoyed. Some self-conscious, dated, impressionistic, terribly indulgent rumination on the injustice of life for the modern woman, by finishing it I learned a valuable lesson, namely what it is that I hate in a novel. Read "A Handmaid's Tale".
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