"The Blind Assassin" Post 3b

What makes this novel so interesting to read? Here are a few of its features which add to it in ways which other novels often don't explore:
- It has parallel story lines. I really enjoy parallel story lines in general: it's so interesting to see them coming together, and to think about what each one tells about the other one. How are these two characters going to act together? Parallel story lines provide you a different perspective on the story, because you are at the hands of the author in this regard: you only know what they deem you should know. With parallel story lines, you can escape from this one viewpoint and see the story through multiple ones. In "The Blind Assassin", the author provides multiple story lines but at the beginning, you really have no idea how they connect. Iris' story is recounting her childhood while Laura's novel is exploring the relationship between two lovers. Even when they begin to collide, it's easy to miss the hints, most noticeably the picture overlapping the two. However, as we enter Iris' married life and meet Alex again, we can see exactly where Laura got her material. I liked this style of parallel stories a lot, because Laura's novel is not only another well-written story but an insight into her character, into Iris' character, and into Iris' situation.
- Iris' tone is at once childish and old. In the section recounting her childhood, one never forgets that she is looking back at her life, the reader is always sure of what time is the present. However, in an effort to portray herself truly from that time, Iris doesn't attempt to hide any of her faults or childish mistakes. She is bluntly honest with her character at that time, and reflects it in her writing: "(I have to admit I was gratified by this. I'd wanted her to suffer too - as much as me. I was tired of her getting away with being so young.)" (97). With Iris' voice, the author simply finds that perfect medium.