"Lady Oracle" by Margaret Atwood follows the life of Joan Foster, a woman who grapples with her identity and the expectations placed upon her. Joan is an aspiring writer who has written a series of romance novels under a pen name, but she feels disconnected from her own life and trapped in the roles she plays for others. Her relationship with her overbearing mother and her struggles with self-acceptance shape her journey throughout the story.
The novel delves into themes of feminism, societal norms, and the complexities of female identity. As Joan navigates her tumultuous life, she fakes her own death to escape the pressures surrounding her. This act of deception becomes a pivotal moment, allowing her to explore who she truly is without the constraints of her past and the expectations of those around her.