Surfacing by Margaret Atwood

Description

“Surfacing” is a novel written by Canadian author Margaret Atwood. It was first published in 1972 and is one of Atwood’s early works. The novel is known for its exploration of themes related to identity, self-discovery, and the connection between the human psyche and the natural world.

The story is narrated by an unnamed protagonist, a woman who returns to her childhood home in the wilderness of Quebec, Canada, along with her lover Joe and a married couple, Anna and David. Her father disappeared in the area while working on an archaeological dig, and she has come back to search for clues about his fate and, in a broader sense, to rediscover her own identity.

As the group spends time in the remote wilderness, they become increasingly isolated from civilization. The protagonist becomes more and more connected to the natural world, both physically and psychologically. She delves into her past, her troubled relationships, and her own sense of self, leading to a process of self-discovery and self-awakening.

“Surfacing” is often seen as a feminist novel that explores the protagonist’s quest for identity and self-realization in a patriarchal society. The novel also delves into themes of environmentalism and the relationship between humans and the natural world, as the protagonist’s connection to the wilderness plays a central role in her journey.

Margaret Atwood is known for her exploration of complex and thought-provoking themes in her works, and “Surfacing” is no exception. The novel is a unique blend of psychological and environmental elements, making it a distinctive and compelling part of Atwood’s literary oeuvre.