Moral Disorder
This collection of interrelated short stories based to a seemingly-large degree on Margaret Atwood’s own experiences is by far my favorite of her works since 2000’s The Blind Assassin. If you asked me what the stories are about, the images that stick out in my mind include a frightening Halloween costume accessory, a runaway former school horse (this one reminded me a lot of my own beloved chestnut, Carrots), “the entities,” and a knitted layette. Atwood is not known for her predictability, and her talent for storytelling is truly exceptional.
I highly recommend the audio version read by Susan Denaker. She speaks slowly enough that you have the chance to truly appreciate Atwood’s genius. (I tend to read short stories very quickly just because I can, whereas books with long chapters take me forever to finish–not very yogic/present moment of me, I know.) And a note of warning: it’s ridiculously easy to completely miss when one tale stops and the next starts…you must be vigilant to avoid some serious confusion!
