Patron Book Review: Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood

Posted by patron and guest blogger, Irv S.

Margaret Atwood's Stone Mattress has no "feel good" characters. Many are evil and live in a strange self-constructed reality. Contemplation of murder is common, commission of the crime not unusual. Fantasy is rampant--all wrapped in well written and thoughtful prose. Some of the nine stories seem to drop the reader off a cliff, forcing the serious to pause and meditate before proceeding to the next. All are worth the read.

Each of the first three stands alone but they are interconnected in a way that creates a fourth story. The tales are dark, humorous, playful and serious. The characters are fascinating, especially the cranky elderly. Those who have passed retirement will understand and, perhaps, appreciate the foibles of age; those who have not will find illumination and clear warning.