The Blind Assassin
Margaret Atwood
About this book
Set in the early 20th century, "The Blind Assassin" intertwines the narratives of a dying woman reflecting on her life and the story of a fictional novel written by her sister. The novel explores themes of memory, trauma, and the complexities of female relationships, while also delving into issues of class and societal expectations. Through its layered storytelling, Atwood examines the nature of truth and the power of storytelling itself, revealing how personal and historical narratives shape identity. The book's structure blurs the lines between reality and fiction, inviting readers to question the reliability of both.
Censorship history
In 2025, "The Blind Assassin" by Margaret Atwood was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States, primarily due to its LGBTQ+ content, political themes, sexual content, and perceived immorality. Notably, in April 2025, a formal complaint was filed by a local parent group in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, leading to a school board vote that upheld the ban despite protests from educators and students advocating for the book's inclusion in the curriculum. The decision sparked significant debate about censorship and the role of literature in education, with some districts still contesting the ban as of late 2025.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | LGBTQ+PoliticalSexualMoral |
