The Robber Bride, Margaret Atwood, Nan A Talese, 1993, 528 pp
Do you have a nemesis? Or have you had one at some point in your life? I currently have a nemesis who also clearly feels that I have been her nemesis.
The Robber Bride is built around a nemesis named Zenia. She is a complex character who fits both definitions of the word: 1) "one that inflicts retribution or vengeance" and 2) "a formidable and usually victorious rival or opponent" Merriam-Webster.com.
Zenia's special power is stealing men from the women who love them. She is a con woman who outdoes Patricia Highsmith's Talented Mr Ripley. Her victims in The Robber Bride are three women, all quite different from each other, who met in college and have bonded through the years over Zenia's predatory actions.
The novel begins a bit slowly as Atwood builds the back story and character of each woman, then takes off and never lets go as the three victims engage Zenia in battle.
The author is as brilliant as she always is because, 1) she knows her classics so well (the novel is loosely inspired by the Grimm's fairy tale, The Robber Bridegroom), 2) she is so facile at moral ambiguity (neither Zenia nor her three victims, nor the men she poaches are completely wonderful or horrible), and 3) she has a sense of humor that does not quit.
I first read The Robber Bride in 1998, an astonishing 22 years ago. I was not a blogger then but I had started a reading log in 1991. Looking back at that I saw that I found the novel good but had a problem with the ending. This time I read it for a reading group. I loved it unconditionally and understood why she ended it the way she did.
I would say that if you have a nemesis (def #2) or wish to become a nemesis (def #1), The Robber Bride could serve as a handbook. Recommended for all readers of any sexual orientation or age.
really! i guess i'll have to give her a try... after trying to ignore her for so many years but knowing she was there, peeking over my shoulder and nudging me in the ribs...
ReplyDeleteYou have made my day!
DeleteThis sounds very good. I love Margaret Atwood. I have not read this though. It is interesting how a few of her books are tied to the classics.
ReplyDeleteShe always makes me feel under-read-:)
DeleteI love your assessment of Atwood. I haven't read a lot of her books but boy, she knows how to hold her audience captive. I hadn't heard of this one but now I have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Athira. Happy reading!
DeleteI've read quite a few Atwood books but never this one. I really should remedy that.
ReplyDeleteHope you've been doing okay through these stressful times.
The Robber Bride is one of my favorite Atwood books. I am doing well and thank you for asking!
DeleteI've not read this one either, but I definitely will now. Thank you for reminding me of it. Which also reminds me I still haven't read Testaments. Aarrgg!
ReplyDeleteWell, we can't read everything, hard as we try. I still have not read the new Hilary Mantel. In any case, you have two guaranteed great novels, in my opinion, to look forward to.
DeleteWonderful review, Judy! It's been decades since I read this book, but I remember loving it. The Robber Bride and Cat's Eye are my favorite Atwood novels. I'll have to see if my library has ebooks available... this would be an ideal time to revisit old favorites.
ReplyDeleteThanks, JoAnn. It was great to read this one again!
DeleteLovely review. And I do have a nemesis, so I think I shall be checking this one out ASAP!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarah. Let me guess, your nemesis is at work?
DeleteOk, so I have a couple, haha
DeleteNicely done. Yes I read this too long ago -- so it's perhaps time for a reread. Your cover stumped me a little .... I had the edition with the eye on the cover ... remember that one? Zenia was quite a nemesis.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. As for the cover, I get my cover images from the Indie Bestsellers site and this is the only paperback that is currently available in stores according to them, so I used it. I too have the eye on the cover edition, in fact it is a mass market paperback from the 90s and was, I think, the original hardback cover. A great cover that captures much from the story. But the one I used here also does evoke Zenia pretty well.
DeleteI'll put this on my list. Cheers
ReplyDeleteExcellent, Carole!
Deletesad to say that the only Atwood book I've read is: "In Other Worlds – SF and the Human Imagination" which I thought was excellent. I do have at least one of hers & really need to read the rest. She has a wonderful 'voice' I think which I hear (based on her interviews) whenever I read her words.
ReplyDeleteShe writes well, no matter the genre or style. I do also love her essays. One of these days I will try some of her poetry.
DeleteThis sounds like something I’d really enjoy!
ReplyDeleteOh, I think you would!
DeleteJoAnn suggested I visit you as I commented on her Instagram post of Cat’s Eye, which I loved. I brought up The Robber Bride, as it is another favorite of mine by Atwood. But, something I have always wondered about Zenia is if she is not a character at all. I think it is highly unlikely that she could “steal” all three women’s lovers. To me, she has come to represent the destructive force that ruins many relationships, whether that comes from within each of the women themselves, or is a part of human nature which is so difficult to conquer. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Meredith. I am always happy to meet another Atwood fan. You raise an interesting question which I must ponder for a while. I do think that Atwood often uses characters to stand in for forces, both good and evil. I think of Aunt whatever her name is, in The Testaments. For me though, Zenia was quite believable as a mysterious but well fleshed out character. That is my best answer for you today.
DeleteYes, Zenia is quite believable, I agree. She is “well-fleshed out”, but I still wonder if she doesn’t stand for something more...
ReplyDeleteI have not liked Margaret Atwood’s dystopian work; Orxy and Crake, for example, or even The Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments. So, my preference for her is with her earlier novels such as Surfacing, Cat’s Eye, The Robber Bride...novels to which I could relate so very well. The way she portrays childhood in Cat’s Eye? I remember thinking she was speaking about my own childhood days when I read it in the early 90s...now I need to read it again!
I would like to reread this novel... Additionally, I really need to get back to reading more Margaret Atwood novels. She's such a fantastic writer.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. I intend to read more of hers as well.
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