Dear Margaret

So many of my friends have sung your praises. One of them being my muse featured in the margin over there to the right. The Blind Assassin is one of her literary favorites. I loved your story Children of Men**. Granted, I have done a horrible thing, and, as a writer, I should be ashamed. I have not read the book. What I know of your story is from the movie with Clive Owen. But, first, in my defense: CLIVE OVEN. OVEN? OWEN. See? I get so excited about him I can't even spell his name right.

I should get the book. But, after having attempted to finish reading Oryx and Crake, I don't think that will be a possibility. Nor The Blind Assassin. As, I'm sure it's just your voice and your style for the protagonist (I think) in O & C that I can't, in my very American and substandard ability to grasp abstract concepts, wrap my mind or head around understanding him or the story. I love the flashbacks, with the world & character building, but I just can't get past the child pornography or the stilted maturity of said protagonist as the story tries to move forward into why these weird Oryx and Crake-like children continue to bother him on this sticky island he hermits on. And I cant seem to get past any of this to learn if the protagonist ever reveals what actually HAPPENS to Oryx and Crake. 

Oryx and Crake was on a suggested summer reading list, so I snatched it up as I am all about post-apocalyptic words. And, while I enjoy the imagery in your stories, it is just not for me. I have been trying to get through this novel since SUMMER. ME. Who can read a book in one day. 

There are only 3 books I've never been able to finish. This is one of them. The other by Lisa Gardner, the third by Peter F Hamilton, which, should be self explanatory (the latter that is).

So, Ms. Atwood, while I will, if I ever come across it, pick up the Blind Assassin, I have been forewarned by Annie the Muse much the way Oryx and Crake is written, so is tBA. I have been warned, but I will not let it deter me. For I think you are an excellent writer. I just. Don't. Understand. Oryx and Crake. I want to say that I do, but...I just can't.

My apologies.

Hugs, MV.

**Edited to say: So my muse was wrong, Atwood did NOT write Children of Men. Sorry! She wrote the Handmaid's TALE, very similar to Children of Men in the PREMISE. I have not read either, obvs. And will correct this shortly. Still.