“I first read this book when I was in 8th grade. I re-read it last year and fell in love with it all over again.”
“You mean as a person in real life that the author knew?I sometimes wonder that too.I think what happened in the hole - she can't remember..but it is up to us to imagine..a frightened kid like that might have wet herself or got hysterical(after she came out they were all disgusted with her) I think she had claustrophobia, I don't know what happens exactly, but I know claustrophics often don't remember what happens during their panic attacks. It is kind of a haunting novel because there is no clear resolution, and the narrator is unreliable- she can't see outside her own memories/ experience.”
“I don't think Cordelia died. I wondered if she ever really existed. I also wonder what happened under the planks in the hole. I really wish authors would tie up loose ends.”
“amna -1)Cordelia died..how? I was thinking this too, because of her overdose but in my fantasy she could just as easily have faked her own death and run off to Italy ala 'Lady Oracle'2) I think it might make a good film to capture the period feel of the novel..all the 40's paraphenalia, have Elaine narrate the events of her life, as well as actually seeing the actual artwork..I think it would make a great film because the book is so visual. The main event (Elaine trapped in the hole in the ground, the ravine episode) I think is as significant as anything..as well as bringing the whole issue of childhood bullying and Christian hypocrisy to film and how it subsequently can affect one's whole life. I think a film, if done well, would be amazing.Anyway. I often re-read Cat's Eye. I often think about what's unsaid in the novel..like wondering how Cordelia is bullied by her two older sisters and father, how she got her cut-lip, or the fecklessness of Elaine's mother..how that whole repressed WASP upbringing again translates into cluelessness about love, and relationships for Elaine as she becomes an adult.”
“The narrator's description of what Cordelia did to her evoked something so strong in me that it haunts me to this day. I read this book soon after it first came out and while I know I'd profit from a second encounter, because there's so much more to "get" than I got the first time, I don't know if I could bear it. I'm wondering if others here feel the same way.”
“Answer to selina's questions:1) I think Cordelia died.2) In my opinion, it wouldn't make a good film. The book is made up more of feelings and childhood memories than of actual events. I loved the book. I was really able to relate to it, and I was amazed at how many passages mirrored my own thoughts.”
“Two questions. 1) What do you think happened to Cordelia?2) Do you think this would make a good film?”
“My first and favorite Atwood novel. Reading this book made me aware of how much cruelty of childhood friends can influence your life, without them even being aware as how much this has affected you and your adulthood. So many passages were so familiar.”
“I would recommend this to anyone who is fiercely intelligent and enjoys something interesting rather that sweet. There is truth here, nothing is sugar coated. If fairies and bunnies are your things, I would steer clear from this one. ”
“This book brings you back to your childhood years especially if you're a girl. It's quite Freudian, given that one's experiences as a child leave a permanent mark onto adulthood. You face your fears and come to terms with yourself. While I wasn't bullied as a child ( I do the bullying, he-he-he), I now have my daughters to think of and what they go through as children. ”
