It has been a few days since I finished Lady Oracle. I wanted to sit with the story and think about what I just read as I am torn and baffled. Margaret Atwood is an amazing writer. I am a huge fan. I enjoy sitting with her books, relishing the language, becoming invested in the characters and their stories.

Lady Oracle is another beautifully written novel. The main character, Joan, battles with an identity crisis that defines her throughout the book. The scars from her childhood never fully heal and they travel with her throughout her life. She never develops any deep relationship with anyone, not even herself. She kind of does with her beloved aunt. She loves her and loves being with her, but when I really think about it, not really. Everything with her is superficial and dishonest and pretending to be someone else. Therefore, I never developed any deep feeling for Joan either. She seemed to coast through life, hiding behind numerous facades. Who was she? Was she an utterly broken person?

The novel began wonderfully. I do not want to delve into details and ruin the story. About 3/4 through is when I started having doubts. By the end, my feelings of uncertainty were confirmed. There is no clear conclusion to the story. I turned the pages faster and faster, (a testimonial to the glorious writing of Margaret Atwood), waiting for the climax and expecting some closure, both of which never came. I closed the book and was left with feelings of disappointment, bafflement, and complete annoyance. Then, I ultimately didn't really care because I didn't really care enough about Joan.

So, I am torn and will remain torn -- because I hold Atwood to a higher standard.