Margaret Atwood published Cat’s Eye in Toronto in 1988, however she actually started the work in 1964, shelving it until she had opportunity to further observe human dynamics. In some ways the text can be seen as autobiographical with the main protagonist, Elaine Risley, and Atwood both being the daughters of entomologists. The story tracks the common stages of development for any writer or artist known as kunstlerroman. Kunstlerroman is a narrative about an artist’s growth to maturity that focuses on the psychological and moral development of the protagonist through their ‘coming of age’ in youth and adulthood. Other examples of Kunstlerroman include: James Joyce’s Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Thomas Wolfe’s Look Homeward Angel and Charlotte Bronte’s Jayne Eyre. Atwood’s own feelings are reflected in Elaine’s character as she reaches an age where her work is considered retrospectively and her place in Canadian history is solidified.

The narrative follows Elaine as a provocative artist who returns to Toronto for a retrospective exhibition of her art. In the few days leading up to the exhibition, she reminisces about a trio of girls who tormented her during her childhood. She recollects her family life and considers her own identity as a daughter, a lover, an artist and a woman. She considers her own ageing and fame as the retrospective invites her to ponder what she has achieved and what was important.

The novel traces Canadian life between World War II and the late 1980s. It serves as a commentary on the significant changes within the era and as an exploration of the prominent issues across the four decades. The rise of the feminist movement, post war poverty, shifts from main stream conservative politics, religion and abortion are topics that form the backdrop to Elaine’s coming of age. It also unpacks the world of adolescent bullying especially among girls. It ventures to show how childhood events shape personality. At times Elaine herself, seeking to forget many hurtful events, becomes bitter and cruel. She develops a defence mechanism of escape that allows her to escape bullies, leave marriages and move towns. Ultimately, Elaine wishes to be an observant eye, frozen in an impenetrable glass protection: a cat’s eye marble.

The book was critically acclaimed as a reflection on the human condition and was listed as a finalist for the 1988 Governor General’s Award and the 1989 Booker Prize.