The Handmaid's Tale
Ratings1,172
Average rating4.1
15
Ratings1,172
Average rating4.1
In Margaret Atwood’s dystopian future, environmental disasters and declining birthrates have led to a Second American Civil War. The result is the rise of the Republic of Gilead, a totalitarian regime that enforces rigid social roles and enslaves the few remaining fertile women. Offred is one of these, a Handmaid bound to produce children for one of Gilead’s commanders. Deprived of her husband, her child, her freedom, and even her own name, Offred clings to her memories and her will to survive. At once a scathing satire, an ominous warning, and a tour de force of narrative suspense, The Handmaid’s Tale is a modern classic.
Reviews with the most likes.
I absolutely loved this book. The book itself is a brilliant representation of how not only women, but many currently and preciously marginalised groups have been prosecuted. The fact that to this day, paralels can be drawn between the fictional world of Gilead to modern day America is scary however proves the societal importance of this book.
3.5
A very detailed, yet white-washed analysis on a dystopian (yet realistic) look at a future where women (specifically fertile ones) are made property (again). This was very well-written and the premise was very interesting, but I found myself losing interest in some parts.
Grim and Shocking Tale!!
A grim tale of possible future that makes you think should we raise voice against the totalitarian regimes when they start making disastrous changes or just act ignorant and think it will not impact us. The main character had the same thinking and very well conveys it by saying “we are the people who live in the white spaces of newspapers always thinking that actions by government will never impact us.”
On the other note, the book is slightly difficult to read but you slowly get hooked to the story of Offred and how world came to a dark future like this.
I didn't really like Margaret Atwood's writing style in Oryx and Crake and I'm not a huge fan of it here, but I have to say there are glimmers of enjoyment in the writing in this book.
I've never been a dystopia fan, but there is something chilling about the realism of some aspects of Gilead that might very well happen in our world, any time in the near future - all this despite the fact that this book in itself was published almost 2 decades ago.
Featured Series
2 primary books3 released booksThe Handmaid's Tale is a 4-book series with 2 primary works first released in 1985 with contributions by Margaret Atwood and Michèle Albaret-Maatsch.
Featured Prompt
2,850 booksWhen you think back on every book you've ever read, what are some of your favorites? These can be from any time of your life – books that resonated with you as a kid, ones that shaped your personal...
