The Blind Assassin – Summary
The Blind Assassin is a complex, multi-layered novel that weaves together several narratives to tell the story of two sisters, Iris and Laura Chase, and their tumultuous lives in mid-20th century Canada. The primary narrative is told from the perspective of an elderly Iris, who recounts the events of her life, including her unhappy marriage to the wealthy industrialist Richard Griffen, her sister Laura’s tragic suicide, and the publication of a controversial novel that changes everything.
The story begins with Laura’s death in 1945 when she drives off a bridge. Iris, now in her eighties, reflects on their childhood in the small town of Port Ticonderoga, Ontario. The sisters grow up in a once-prosperous family, raised by their father and housekeeper after their mother’s death. As the Great Depression hits, their father’s button factory struggles, leading to Iris’s arranged marriage to Richard Griffen to save the family business.
Interwoven with Iris’s narrative is the text of a novel called “The Blind Assassin”, supposedly written by Laura and published posthumously. This novel-within-a-novel tells the story of a clandestine love affair between a wealthy young woman and a working-class political radical. The man in this story tells his lover a science fiction tale about the planet Zycron and its blind assassins.
As Iris’s story unfolds, we learn of her own secret affair with Alex Thomas, a young writer and political activist. The sisters hide Alex in their attic when he’s suspected of burning down the button factory. Both sisters develop feelings for him, but it’s Iris who ultimately becomes his lover.
The narrative reveals that Richard Griffen is abusive and manipulative, not only to Iris but also to Laura. After Laura’s suicide, Iris discovers through her sister’s notebooks that Richard had been raping Laura for years, blackmailing her with threats against Alex’s safety. This revelation leads Iris to leave Richard, taking their daughter Aimee with her.
In a surprising twist, it’s revealed that Iris, not Laura, is the true author of “The Blind Assassin”. She published it under Laura’s name as an act of revenge against Richard, exposing their affair and leading to his suicide. The publication also results in Iris losing custody of Aimee to Richard’s sister, Winifred.
The novel concludes with Iris in her final days, having written her memoir to reveal the truth to her estranged granddaughter, Sabrina.
Key themes:
- The power of storytelling and the blurred lines between fiction and reality
- The impact of social class and gender roles in mid-20th century Canada
- The complexities of sisterhood and family relationships
- The long-lasting effects of trauma and abuse
- The nature of truth and memory
Character Details
Iris Chase Griffen
Iris is the protagonist and narrator of the novel. Born into a once-wealthy family, she sacrifices her own happiness by marrying Richard Griffen to save her family’s failing business. Intelligent and observant, Iris initially appears passive but reveals herself to be a complex character capable of great passion and cunning. Her affair with Alex Thomas and her decision to write and publish “The Blind Assassin” under Laura’s name demonstrate her capacity for both love and revenge. As an elderly woman, Iris is reflective and determined to set the record straight about her family’s history.
Laura Chase
Laura, Iris’s younger sister, is enigmatic and idealistic. She’s portrayed as otherworldly and naïve, with a strong moral compass that often puts her at odds with societal expectations. Laura’s apparent suicide drives much of the novel’s plot, and her posthumously published novel becomes a literary sensation. However, as the story unfolds, we learn that Laura’s life was marked by trauma and abuse, particularly at the hands of Richard Griffen. Her love for Alex Thomas and her complex relationship with Iris form the emotional core of the novel.
Richard Griffen
Richard is Iris’s husband, a wealthy industrialist with political ambitions. He’s portrayed as cold, calculating and abusive. Richard marries Iris to gain social standing but fails to save her family’s button factory as promised. His true nature is revealed through his treatment of both Iris and Laura, whom he sexually abuses and manipulates. Richard’s political career is ultimately ruined by the publication of “The Blind Assassin”, leading to his suicide.
Alex Thomas
Alex is a young writer and political activist who becomes entangled with both Iris and Laura. He’s charismatic, idealistic and passionate about social justice. Alex is initially suspected of burning down the Chase button factory and is hidden by the sisters in their attic. He becomes Iris’s lover and the father of her daughter, Aimee. Alex’s character embodies the political and social upheavals of the time, and his fate during World War II has a profound impact on both sisters.
Winifred Griffen Prior
Winifred is Richard’s sister and Iris’s sister-in-law. She’s portrayed as manipulative, social-climbing and deeply invested in maintaining appearances. Winifred plays a significant role in controlling Iris’s life after her marriage to Richard and later uses her influence to gain custody of Iris’s daughter, Aimee. Her character represents the oppressive social expectations placed on women of her class and era.
Reader Fit
The Blind Assassin would appeal to readers who enjoy complex, multi-layered narratives that blend historical fiction with elements of mystery and romance. Fans of Margaret Atwood’s other works will appreciate her characteristic blend of sharp social commentary and rich character development.
The book is particularly suited to those interested in Canadian history, the dynamics of family relationships, and the exploration of women’s experiences in the mid-20th century. Readers who enjoy puzzling out intricate plots and unreliable narrators will find much to savour in this Booker Prize-winning novel.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Publication Year: 2000
- Reading Time Estimate: 20-25 hours
- Notable Awards: Man Booker Prize (2000), Hammett Prize (2001)
Related Books
- “Alias Grace” by Margaret Atwood
- “The Hours” by Michael Cunningham
- “Atonement” by Ian McEwan
Buy the Book
Dive into the intricate world of The Blind Assassin and unravel its mysteries alongside Iris Chase. This masterful work of fiction will keep you guessing until the very end, challenging your perceptions of truth, memory, and the power of storytelling.
Don’t miss out on this compelling tale of love, loss, and redemption – get your copy today and experience the genius of Margaret Atwood for yourself!
