Now a Hulu Original SeriesThe Handmaid’s Tale is a novel of such power that the reader will be unable to forget its images and its forecast. Set in the near future, it describes life in what was once the United States and is now called the Republic of Gilead, a monotheocracy that has reacted to social unrest and a sharply declining birthrate by reverting to, and going beyond, the repressive … beyond, the repressive intolerance of the original Puritans. The regime takes the Book of Genesis absolutely at its word, with bizarre consequences for the women and men in its population.
The story is told through the eyes of Offred, one of the unfortunate Handmaids under the new social order. In condensed but eloquent prose, by turns cool-eyed, tender, despairing, passionate, and wry, she reveals to us the dark corners behind the establishment’s calm facade, as certain tendencies now in existence are carried to their logical conclusions. The Handmaid’s Tale is funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing. It is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and a tour de force. It is Margaret Atwood at her best.
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Too depressing.
shockingly original yet familiar!
Amazing writing … amazing story
An incredibly well-written book that terrifies me to this day — and I read it decades ago when it first appeared.
One of the better dystopian novels
Oh my God. This book is so futuristic. Forget about sad, it is heartbreaking. A few times I had to put the book down and walk away for a mental break because of how sad it was. I understand the hype about this novel now and recommend it so much, and if you do pick it up, make sure to have a book of tissues close by because you will be using some!
Love this book. It is just as good the second time around.
This is a well-written, intriguing story that is definitely worth the hype. The end was disappointing to me, however. I understand the concept and what the author was going for, but I felt unfulfilled.
The Handmaid’s Tale takes place in the future in what was once known as the United States but is now called the Republic of Gilead. Women have lost all their rights. The women were gathered up and trained for their new roles in society by the “Aunts”. The women are given a fertility test if they passed then their new roles are to be a Handmaid. A …
It can happen here.
Chilling look at a dystopian future.
Must read.
In these uncertain times, Margaret Atwood’s prophetic book could be the most important one you read. Atwood’s frightening tale could well predict what is coming, if we cannot achieve a successful transition of power. Even then, there are those who would love to make this twisted world a reality — and they’re not going away. I saw the documentary …
This book was very well written. The storyline was described so that you could visualize what the author was telling. I wish the ending would have revealed more of what happened to several of the characters in the book.
Disturbing. A look at a controlling, perverted government.
Excellent dystopian novel, here focusing on the role, subjugation and repression of women. Can be read as a feminist text or on any number of levels – a classic with something of a nail-biting end.
I read this book in one, very long, sitting. I could not stop.
This book is a must read for all women, particularly in this day and age. A terrifying look at what could happen in a future patriarchal, evangelical world.
Excellent, very developed characters
Read when Margret Atwoods first published. Excellant book that should be required reading in a University Literature class.
Very different.