76 pages • 2 hours read
Margaret AtwoodAlias Grace
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood retells the story of Grace Marks, a nineteenth-century Canadian maid convicted as an accessory to the murders of her employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery. The novel intertwines Grace's first-person narrative with third-person accounts of Dr. Simon Jordan, who evaluates Grace’s mental state. The novel probes themes of gender and class roles, identity, truth, and memory. Sensitive topics include mental health and violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace is praised for its intricate storytelling and rich historical detail, bringing the 19th-century Canadian setting to vivid life. Readers admire the complex character of Grace Marks and Atwood's skillful blending of fact and fiction. However, some find the narrative pacing slow and the multiple perspectives confusing at times. Overall, it's a thought-provoking novel that examines themes of memory, identity, and justice. MLA Review: Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace skillfully melds historical fact with fiction, offering a compelling exploration of identity and justice. While celebrated for intricate storytelling, some readers find its pace lagging and perspectives jarring.
Who Should Read Alias Grace?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with psychological depth and feminist themes will be captivated by Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace. This novel will appeal to fans of Toni Morrison's Beloved and Sarah Waters' Fingersmith—its intricate narrative and exploration of 19th-century societal norms promise a rich, engaging experience.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Historical Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Classic Fiction
Emotions/Behavior: Memory
Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies
History: World