Once again I’m linking up again with Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea who hosts a post every Tuesday for people to share the first chapter / paragraph of the book they are reading, or thinking of reading soon. In really enjoy these tasters when I read them on other blogs so wanted to join in.
This week I’m reading Hag-seed by Margaret Atwood, one of my favourite authors and someone whose books I normally love. So far, this is no exception though it’s taken me a while to get into the rhythm. Here’s what it’s about…
When Felix is deposed as artistic director of the Makeshiweg Theatre Festival by his devious assistant and longtime enemy, his production of The Tempest is canceled and he is heartbroken. Reduced to a life of exile in rural southern Ontario—accompanied only by his fantasy daughter, Miranda, who died twelve years ago—Felix devises a plan for retribution.
Eventually he takes a job teaching Literacy Through Theatre to the prisoners at the nearby Burgess Correctional Institution, and is making a modest success of it when an auspicious star places his enemies within his reach. With the help of their own interpretations, digital effects, and the talents of a professional actress and choreographer, the Burgess Correctional Players prepare to video their Tempest. Not surprisingly, they view Caliban as the character with whom they have the most in common. However, Felix has another twist in mind, and his enemies are about to find themselves taking part in an interactive and illusion-ridden version of The Tempest that will change their lives forever. But how will Felix deal with his invisible Miranda’s decision to take a part in the play?
And here’s how it starts…
1 SEASHORE
Monday, January 7, 2013Felix brushes his teeth. Then he brushes his other teeth, the false ones, and slides them into his mouth. Despite the layer of pink adhesive he’s applied, they don’t fit very well; perhaps his mouth is shrinking. He smiles: the illusion of a smile. Pretense, fakery, but who’s to know?
What do you think? Would you keep reading?
Emma
p.s. this is from a review and uncorrected proof copy
One Readers Thoughts 
I love Atwood and have seen her speak. She is witty and super smart. I would keep reading. Enjoy!
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I wish I could hear her speak. I bet she was great. This book is a bit of a winner with me so far.
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Not read this author and that title sounds weird, but I am curious! 🙂
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It’s a swear word so it does become clear as the book progresses. I love Atwood though she is not everyone’s cup of tea. In part it’s because I never know what I’m getting. So original.
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Not sure if the opening grabbed me. I’ve liked other Atwood books, so I’d at least give this a try.
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No it’s not the greatest but the book is reading really well. Or at least I’m enjoying it!
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I’m very keen to read this one – partly because Atwood is always worth reading, but also because I’m in the middle of working on a reworking of The Tempest myself…
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It is good so far. I can’t really remember The Tempest though I have read and seen it but it wasn’t one of my favourites. I hope your reworking goes well – a big task!
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I’m in the middle of a major rewrite – it’s by far the hardest thing I’ve written to date.
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I just admire that you can even contemplate something like that. A blog post stretches me!
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I’d keep reading but mostly because I’ve yet to read Atwood and have been meaning to for probably close to 20 years now! I’m curious to see your thoughts on this one and if it gets easier staying in the rhythm of the story. Love your new header and name!
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You must! Not sure if this where I’d start but it is very good so far. Am feeling happy with the name change…it fits more.
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I love most of the books I’ve read by Atwood.. (I didn’t like the MaddAddam Trilogy). But this one does sound tempting, especially since I’ve enjoyed another Hogarth Shakespeare book (Vinegar Girl).
Thanks for sharing…and for visiting my blog.
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Me too. The only one I didn’t was her most recent. I even liked Maddaddam. This is shaping up nicely.
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This sounds really interesting. I’ve enjoyed other books by Margaret Atwood, so I’m keen to read Hagseed.
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It is so far, though a long read. It’s worth it though!
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After reading the snippets, I am a bit curious about Felix.
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He’s definitely an interesting character. I can’t decide if I love him or loathe him right now.
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I’ve enjoyed Atwood’s novels so I’d try this as well.
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It’s well worth a read – almost done – as long as it doesn’t let me down at the end!
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I love theatre settings. I haven’t read much by Atwood but this sounds like one I might enjoy. Thanks for sharing. Here’s my link for today: http://wp.me/p4DMf0-1id
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I have just about finished it and I have to say I did enjoy it. Not as out there as some other books – at least for Atwood. Now to write the review!
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I’ve enjoyed some of Margaret Atwood’s books but not enjoyed others at all – I like the synopsis to this one though so I’ll await your verdict.
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I think that is the way with a lot of people. I like the difference in her books – I never know what I’ll get. Plus I read her at a young age and I’m kind of convinced that makes a difference. I saw her as a bit of a inspiration. Now she can do very little wrong.
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[…] I had as my Tuesday Intro this week so you can read more by clicking here. I really enjoyed it but it did take up a lot of brain cells. Afterwards, I wanted something […]
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