Cat's Eye

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Margaret Atwood published Cat's Eye in 1988, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Canada. The book's treatment of childhood cruelty, memory, art, Toronto accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Cat's Eye among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Kirkus Reviews 1988. Our aggregate score of 37/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes Cat's Eye is how it handles its central concerns — childhood cruelty, memory, art, Toronto — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Margaret Atwood's role in the literature of Canada is well established. Cat's Eye can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.

About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.