Cat's Eye

In 'Cat's Eye', Margaret Atwood tells the story of Elaine Risley, a successful painter who returns to Toronto for a retrospective of her artwork.

The narrative alternates between Elaine's middle-aged years and her childhood, where she was subjected to intense bullying by her friends, particularly the charismatic and manipulative Cordelia.

Elaine develops various coping strategies, including self-harm and escapism through art, as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and the impact of her childhood experiences on her adult life.

The book explores themes of bullying, parental handling of such situations, and the long-term effects of childhood trauma on personal development and empathy.