Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace is praised for its intricate storytelling and rich historical detail, bringing the 19th-century Canadian setting to vivid life. Readers admire the complex character of Grace Marks and Atwood's skillful blending of fact and fiction. However, some find the narrative pacing slow and the multiple perspectives confusing at times. Overall, it's a thought-provoking novel that examines themes of memory, identity, and justice.

MLA Review: 
Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace skillfully melds historical fact with fiction, offering a compelling exploration of identity and justice. While celebrated for intricate storytelling, some readers find its pace lagging and perspectives jarring.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with psychological depth and feminist themes will be captivated by Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace. This novel will appeal to fans of Toni Morrison's Beloved and Sarah Waters' Fingersmith—its intricate narrative and exploration of 19th-century societal norms promise a rich, engaging experience.

Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood retells the story of Grace Marks, a nineteenth-century Canadian maid convicted as an accessory to the murders of her employer, Thomas Kinnear, and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery. The novel intertwines Grace's first-person narrative with third-person accounts of Dr. Simon Jordan, who evaluates Grace’s mental state. The novel probes themes of gender and class roles, identity, truth, and memory. Sensitive topics include mental health and violence.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Contemplative / Melancholic

- Alias Grace is inspired by the true story of Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Canada who was convicted of murder in the 19th century.
- Margaret Atwood extensively researched historical records and archives to bring authenticity to the novel's setting and characters, reflecting real societal and cultural details of the time.
- In addition to a novel, Alias Grace was adapted into a critically acclaimed miniseries by Netflix in 2017, written by Sarah Polley and directed by Mary Harron.

**Grace Marks**  
An Irish immigrant and convicted of murder, Grace is known for her intelligence, acute observational skills, and remarkable memory, despite experiencing spells of unconsciousness and memory loss during intense emotions.

**Simon Jordan**  
A psychologist whose professional and personal life unravel as he attempts to uncover the truth about Grace, revealing his own internal conflicts with societal expectations and personal desires.

**Mary Whitney**  
Grace's close friend and mentor, whose practical and outspoken nature, coupled with aspirations for a better life, leave a lasting impact on Grace after her untimely death.

**Nancy Montgomery**  
The housekeeper and mistress of Thomas Kinnear, Nancy employs Grace and becomes a significant figure in her life, though her self-interest and social situation complicate their relationship.

**James McDermott**  
A disgruntled and volatile employee in the Kinnear household, whose animosity towards Nancy and subsequent actions significantly affect the lives of those around him.

**Thomas Kinnear**  
A wealthy and liberal employer who engages in a controversial relationship with his housekeeper, Nancy, and whose actions and status shield him from society's judgment.

**Reverend Enoch Verringer**  
A Methodist minister and reformer who supports Simon's investigation into Grace's case, believing in her innocence and working towards her pardon.

**Jeremiah the Peddler/Dr. Jerome DuPont/Geraldo Ponti**  
A peddler with a fluid sense of identity, offering Grace unconventional opportunities and embodying themes of self-construction and defying societal norms.

Margaret Atwood

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Before You Read

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Before You Read Alias Grace | SuperSummary

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Overview

Atwood's fictionalized account of a convicted murderer's life explores gender, identity, and memory. Learn more with this Alias Grace summary.

Alias Grace Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part I: "Jagged Edge", Part II: "Rocky Road", Part III: "Puss in the Corner"

Parts I-III, Chapters 1-5

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Alias Grace Parts I-III, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part IV: "Young Man’s Fancy"

Part IV, Chapters 6-11

Alias Grace Part IV, Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Part V: "Broken Dishes"

Part V, Chapters 12-16

Alias Grace Part V, Chapters 12-16 Summary & Analysis

Part VI: "Secret Drawer"

Part VI, Chapters 17-20

Alias Grace Part VI, Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

Part VII: "Snake Fence"

Part VII, Chapters 21-26

Alias Grace Part VII, Chapters 21-26 Summary & Analysis

Part VIII: "Fox and Geese"

Part VIII, Chapters 27-31

Alias Grace Part VIII, Chapters 27-31 Summary & Analysis

Part IX: "Hearts and Gizzards"

Part IX, Chapters 32-37

Alias Grace Part IX, Chapters 32-37 Summary & Analysis

Part X: "Lady of the Lake"

Part X, Chapters 38-40

Alias Grace Part X, Chapters 38-40 Summary & Analysis

 Part XI: "Falling Timbers"

Part XI, Chapters 41-44

Alias Grace Part XI, Chapters 41-44 Summary & Analysis

Part XII: "Solomon’s Temple"

Part XII, Chapters 45-47

Alias Grace Part XII, Chapters 45-47 Summary & Analysis

Part XIII: "Pandora’s Box"

Part XIII, Chapters 48-49

Alias Grace Part XIII, Chapters 48-49 Summary & Analysis

Part XIV: "The Letter X"

Part XIV, Chapters 50-53

Alias Grace Part XIV, Chapters 50-53 Summary & Analysis

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