Cat’s Eye – Summary
Cat’s Eye is a haunting exploration of childhood trauma and its lasting impact on adult life. The novel follows Elaine Risley, a successful painter in her forties, as she returns to Toronto for a retrospective exhibition of her work. This homecoming triggers a flood of memories from her past, particularly focusing on her complicated relationship with childhood friend Cordelia.
The story unfolds through a series of vivid flashbacks, alternating between Elaine’s present and her formative years. As a young girl, Elaine moves to Toronto with her family after years of nomadic living in the Canadian wilderness. Initially struggling to fit in, she befriends a group of girls including Grace, Carol and, most significantly, Cordelia. What begins as friendship soon turns into a toxic dynamic of bullying and psychological torment, with Cordelia as the ringleader.
Elaine endures years of subtle cruelty and manipulation, which profoundly affects her self-esteem and sense of identity. The bullying escalates to a breaking point when Cordelia forces Elaine to retrieve a hat from a frozen ravine, resulting in a near-death experience. This traumatic event becomes a turning point, leading Elaine to distance herself from her tormentors.
As Elaine navigates her teenage years and early adulthood, she struggles with the repercussions of her childhood experiences. She pursues art as a means of self-expression and healing, eventually becoming a renowned painter. Her artwork often incorporates motifs from her past, including the symbolic cat’s eye marble that served as a talisman during her difficult childhood.
Throughout the novel, Elaine grapples with her complicated feelings towards Cordelia, oscillating between resentment, pity and a strange sense of connection. As an adult, she encounters Cordelia at various points, each meeting serving as a reflection of their evolving relationship and Elaine’s own personal growth.
The narrative culminates with Elaine’s retrospective exhibition, where she confronts her past through her artwork and comes to terms with the lasting influence of her childhood experiences. The novel ends with Elaine achieving a sense of closure and self-acceptance, recognising how her past has shaped her identity and art.
Key themes:
- The lasting impact of childhood trauma
- The complexities of female friendships
- The power of memory and perception
- Art as a means of self-expression and healing
- The search for identity and self-acceptance
- The cyclical nature of victimisation and power dynamics
Character Details
Elaine Risley
Elaine is the protagonist and narrator of the novel. A successful painter in her forties, she returns to Toronto for a retrospective of her work, triggering memories of her troubled childhood. Intelligent and introspective, Elaine struggles with the lasting effects of childhood bullying. Her art becomes a means of processing her past experiences. Despite her success, she remains haunted by her relationship with Cordelia and the impact it has had on her life. Elaine’s character arc involves coming to terms with her past and finding a sense of self-acceptance.
Cordelia
Cordelia is Elaine’s childhood friend and tormentor. Charismatic and manipulative, she becomes the ringleader in bullying Elaine. Cordelia’s actions stem from her own insecurities and troubled home life. As the girls grow older, their dynamic shifts, with Cordelia’s life taking a downward turn while Elaine flourishes. Cordelia’s character represents the complexities of female friendships and the cyclical nature of victimisation. Her presence looms large in Elaine’s memories and artwork, symbolising the lasting impact of childhood relationships.
Grace Smeath
Grace is one of Elaine’s childhood friends who participates in the bullying under Cordelia’s influence. Coming from a religious family, Grace introduces Elaine to church and various social norms. Her character represents the conformity and social expectations that Elaine struggles with as a child.
Carol Campbell
Another member of Elaine’s childhood friend group, Carol is portrayed as a follower who goes along with Cordelia’s bullying. Her character is less developed than Grace’s but contributes to the group dynamic that torments young Elaine.
Stephen Risley
Elaine’s older brother, Stephen is a brilliant scientist who shares Elaine’s unconventional upbringing. He serves as a source of stability and companionship for Elaine during their nomadic childhood. His scientific mindset contrasts with Elaine’s artistic nature, representing different ways of understanding the world.
Mrs Risley
Elaine’s mother is a practical, no-nonsense woman who struggles to understand her daughter’s emotional turmoil. Her advice to Elaine to stand up for herself highlights the generational differences in dealing with bullying. Despite her limitations, she provides a stable presence in Elaine’s life.
Jon
Elaine’s first husband and fellow art student. Their relationship is tumultuous, marked by infidelity and artistic rivalry. Jon represents Elaine’s early attempts at adult relationships and her struggle to balance personal and professional life.
Josef Hrbik
An older artist who becomes Elaine’s mentor and lover. Josef introduces Elaine to the art world and helps shape her artistic vision. His character represents the transformative power of art and the complexities of mentor-student relationships.
Reader Fit
Cat’s Eye would appeal to readers who enjoy introspective, character-driven narratives that explore the complexities of human relationships and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. Fans of Margaret Atwood’s nuanced prose and keen psychological insights will find much to appreciate in this novel. It’s particularly relevant for those interested in themes of female friendships, the nature of memory, and the role of art in processing trauma.
Readers who have experienced bullying or are interested in the long-term effects of childhood experiences on adult life will find the book especially resonant. The novel’s exploration of Canadian culture and art in the mid-20th century also makes it appealing to those interested in cultural and social history.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction
- Publication Year: 1988
- Reading Time Estimate: 12-15 hours
- Notable Awards: Finalist for the 1988 Governor General’s Award and the 1989 Booker Prize
Related Books
- The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood
- The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Buy the Book
Dive into the mesmerising world of Cat’s Eye and explore the intricate layers of memory, friendship and self-discovery. Margaret Atwood’s masterful storytelling will keep you engrossed from start to finish. Don’t miss this powerful examination of how our past shapes our present. Get your copy today and embark on this unforgettable journey through time and emotion.
