You know when you imagine what your life will be like with your best friends when you’re old? Yeah… that’s what this short story is. It was so casual in its settings, but so complex and intellectually witty in its conversations between lifelong friends. These women, while quite ridiculous, are loyal and loving towards their people. As one grows ill, the others plot revenge and “attempt” murder in their friend’s name.
This poorly planned vengeance falls apart in quite a deliciously hilarious way that you can’t help but laugh in the end. Nothing could stop the educated cleverness of these women in their banter and schemes, except maybe a batch of brownies.

In diving into themes of age and friendship, Margaret Atwood, writer of The Handmaid’s Tale, touches on mental health and misogyny. Seeing the will of youth in these older women as they face their past and current situation, you can’t help but wonder, is everyone doomed to eventually be stuck in the past once our bodies can no longer keep up with our minds? What will we let go and what will we hold on to?

While extremely satirical, the short story makes it known that in the end, you get what you deserve and you make what you want of it. In other words, “karmas a bitch.”

The Handmaid's Tale/Oryx and Crake has been on my wishlist for ages now and I haven't gotten around to reading either of them so was thrilled to be chosen to take part in the readalong for Tandem collective.

The story sees us meet a group of female friends looking to avenge their writer friend Fern's mistreatment by a group of male poets.

I appreciated the societal commentary and the idea behind the story but in just 35 pages the story wasn't able to progress quite as I'd hoped it would.

It's definitely made me keen to pick up more of Atwood's work though!

I enjoyed this fun and interesting story of three friends plotting their vengeance against several men that had wronged them in the past.

The writing was clever but did leave you wanting more as it was a short story however I feel that this could have represented the short time Fern had left due to her illness.

I would definitely read this again and highly recommend it.

I understand that this is a short story, so there's not a lot of time to really get into things, but there was no point to this and no resolution. This would be a pass from me.

This was just a little bit of fluff really, easily forgettable. A few lines made me smile but overall it felt unfinished.

Margaret Atwood's short story *Cut and Thirst* demonstrates her expert writing style, but presents a storyline that might be considered strange. Atwood’s skill in crafting compelling prose is evident, yet the plot itself ventures into peculiar and somewhat disjointed territories. This can either intrigue or perplex readers, depending on their taste for abstract and surreal narratives.

The story's oddity might detract from its overall impact, leaving some readers puzzled. However, Atwood's thematic exploration and societal critique still shine, making the story a thought-provoking read despite its ambiguities.

*Cut and Thirst* is recommended for those who appreciate literary fiction with a twist of the unusual and fans of Atwood's unique narrative style. It suits readers who like to delve into thought-provoking and discussion-worthy texts.

this one was okay, I did have higher hopes for it based on how much I enjoyed her other books though!

This is a fantastic short story full of humour. It reminded me of the Thursday murder club. This is a fantastic entertaining read that you can pick up and finish if you’re short of time. Although small it still packs a good punch and is beautifully written.

An absolute delight!! Surprised by the low rating because I loved this so much 🥺

What I thought would be a revenge tale turned out to be a heartfelt story about enduring friendships and a thought-provoking commentary about time. Loved the characters, their bond, their snarkiness and what they were willing to do for one another. Truly packs a punch.

I greatly enjoyed this. I loved the Handmaid tale so I was already a fan of Margaret Atwood. I strongly recommend this for anyone looking for something good & quick!

I enjoyed the book. I found it an easy read and the plot enjoyable - three women plotting murder as revenge for what a group of men did to their friend. I also enjoyed the ending which was satisfying and realistic. I found the book similar to ‘My Evil Mother’ more than ‘The Handmaids Tale’.

**SPOILERS**

2.5 // the writing was really pretty - I found myself highlighting several times even though it was a short story. Overall though I’m just confused. The ending wasn’t as clear as I would hope. My understanding was that after all that work they had put in, Fern ultimately didn’t care and was fine moving on with her life. I was expecting some sort of twist or surprise at the end - that Fern had taken matters into her own hands or that she had made amends with Humphrey. This ending just fell really flat for me. The characters were plenty fun and again the writing was fantastic! I just don’t really get why I read that. Just to show that some people stay petty forever and others move on? I don’t think this was made for people like me to be honest.

Some lines I enjoyed:

You can’t endlessly be dying, there’s a sell by date. Sooner or later you have to actually die.

Who won the side of the Atlantic would have had parents pretentious enough to name a defenseless baby Humphrey?

Things are getting a bit surreal. Are three respectable elderly women really sitting in a pastel garden planning the murders of nine has been writers?

The Internet leaks like a sieve

“Karma’s a bitch” says Leonie, “except sometimes it gets the wrong address”

Even though it was a short story, it was a little of a struggle to get through. However, I did find it to be a witty and amusing story.

Cut & Thirst by Margaret Atwood  is a short story about three women who seek revenge for a friend.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Amazon, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions):
Myrna, Leonie and Chrissy meet once a week to reminisce about the past.  All three were professors, and feel lucky to have retired before things got worse.  They sit, have a drink or two, and sample different cheeses.

Lately, they've been discussing murder.  They want to kill the 8 (or 9) men who had publicly disgraced their friend Fern.  Sure, it was many years ago, but Fern can no longer fight back (and she never did).  They want to take up the mantle.

They soon discover that planning a murder is not easy.


My Opinions:
First, don't expect some deep-seated wisdom or plot from this one.  It's a short story.

However, I really enjoyed this story.  It was a great break from a full-length novel.  Topics included aging, friendship, and loyalty.  It also included the idea of revenge and murder.

The women were wonderful, and their banter hilarious.  I loved the many ideas they came up with for murder.

Overall, this was a fun, short read.  I'm not sure any short story really deserves 4 stars, but this one hit home for me (not that I'm planning a murder).

Absolutely adored this little short story! The way Atwood manages to weave humour into the narrative with such ease, while still keeping Leonie, Myrna, and Chrissy's concerns believable and the root of them as serious is delightful to read.

This story was really enjoyable! I also think the story would make for a great palette cleanser. Easy to get into, concise and attention grabbing. The characters were relatable while the plot was easy to understand. It was funny, quick read that I would recommend to anyone.

Myrna, Leonie, and Chrissy meet every Thursday to sample fine cheeses, to reminisce about their former lives as professors, and lately, to deliberate about murder. Decades ago, a vicious group of male poets publicly and successfully undermined the writing career of their dear friend Fern. Now, after Fern has taken a turn for the worse, her three old friends decide that it’s finally time to strike back—in secret, of course, since Fern is far too gentle to approve of a vendetta. All they need is a plan with suitably Shakespearean drama. But as sweet and satisfying as revenge can be, it’s not always so cut and dried.

I adore Margaret Atwood’s writing and this short story was no different. A clever witty tale about three women scheming to avenge over wine and cheese – what’s not to love! With themes of friendship, age, loyalty and ultimately being a woman, this is an brillaint entertaining read.

Forever a Margaret Atwood fan. She delivers thoughtful commentary with a cackling wit, as if the reader is on the joke with her. This short story about older women seeking revenge for their friend over a cheese board is how I hope to live life someday.

In all seriousness, I love Margaret Atwood’s writing and how she puts women front and center in taking action and taking names. Who doesn’t love loyalty and a little vigilante justice, especially from the book club crowd?

Three women bound by academia and a lifetime of friendship set out to avenge their friend. Committed to deliver justice unto vengeful men who sabotaged their friend. But what could be fitting? A murder by natural causes? Or something lenient?

Margaret Atwood. Her reputation is a major reason I picked this story. But reputation is a double-edged sword, it raises the bar.

Opening with dialogue, Cut & Thirst is a hilarious tale of harmless revenge. Interspersed with dry humor and a feminist social commentary, the creative premise is well executed by sharp and witty writing. The three women were well-realized, in their physical restraint, in the old-age conduct, and the shared camaraderie that keeps them young at heart. Their hilarious disaster of revenge adds to the comical cozy atmosphere.
The abrupt in and out between scenes was a little disorienting, but somehow it fit right in. Sparse details, context, and background, and yet the palpable mortality of characters and their discomfort around the inevitable puts everything in perspective.
There’s a poetic justice to the treatment of Humphrey. It made me wonder if the story takes inspiration from real life.

Perfect gift among Quirky Academia Girl Friends; a vibe!

Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the eARC.

"Cut and Thirst" by Margaret Atwood is a strong and vivid poem about pain and longing. Her clear imagery and precise language make it memorable. Four stars for its emotional depth and impactful expression.