It reveals its genius on a re-read.

That is absolutely my favorite Atwood novel. But it really reveals itself for the masterpiece it is on re-reading. My sister and I do a duo re-read thing every few years.

I agree with everything you say. I think Cronin was a little reluctant to say goodbye to the world he'd created in this trilogy. This book was very slow, but, I thought, very effective and poignant. I also had to constantly seek help to remind me of the current characters' histories. And NO epilogue should be that…

I love Kate Atkinson and Julian Barnes, and loved both of those books. I did not love Disgrace. It didn't ever seem well grounded to me.

This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell.

I agree that that was the purpose of that scene, which made it heartbreaking in its implications. I think later in the episode she says that neither she nor anyone else could steal from her boss, who even charged for ice cubes. This draws the similarities between the two even clearer.

He was sick.

My tv picture was sharp and clear. The colors were bright. The dialogue was audible.

Are the two stars too expensive to have on screen together? Why would anyone think that a reboot season that keeps Mulder and Scully apart most of the time would play with X Files fans?

Yes, Einstein's aggressive abrasiveness made me appreciate the job Gillian Anderson did with Scully for so many years. She was true to her skepticism without being shrill or insulting or alienating the audience.