The Blind AssassinThe Blind Assassin
Score Modern
What it's about
Iris Chase Griffen, eighty-two, tells the story of her family and of her sister Laura, who in 1945 drove a car off a bridge ten days after the war ended. Laura left behind a novel, published after her death, about two lovers meeting in secret, in which the man tells the woman a science fiction story. Layer by layer, Iris reveals what really happened.
Why it's worth reading
It won the Booker Prize and is on TIME's list of the 100 best novels. It's a family saga, a mystery and a love story, all fitted together like a puzzle.
You'll love it if you liked
The Handmaid’s Tale
Atonement
RebeccaGood to know
It moves between several stories and timelines, which can be confusing at first. The payoff is worth it.
By the numbers
- Readers34 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics90 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller28 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #86 of the 555 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #126 of the 459 fantasy books we rank
- #462 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #889 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Adventurous, Gripping
More by Margaret Atwood
The Handmaid’s Tale
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Quick answers
Is The Blind Assassin worth reading?
Yes. It won the Booker Prize and is on TIME's list of the 100 best novels. It ranks #889 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 74.1 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Blind Assassin about?
Iris Chase Griffen, eighty-two, tells the story of her family and of her sister Laura, who in 1945 drove a car off a bridge ten days after the war ended. Laura left behind a novel, published after her death, about two lovers meeting in secret, in which the man tells the woman a science fiction story. Layer by layer, Iris reveals what really happened.
How long does it take to read The Blind Assassin?
About 13 hours (521 pages), or about 4 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What awards has The Blind Assassin won?
Booker Prize winner (2000).
What should I read after The Blind Assassin?
If you liked it, try The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Atonement by Ian McEwan or Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.