August reads: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

31 Aug 2017

A review of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood


The Republic of Gilead offers Offred only one function: to breed.

If she deviates, she will be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire - neither Offred's nor that of the two men on which her future hangs.

Before you ask, no I haven’t watched the television adaptation of this yet. I had to read the book first!

It’s hard to know what to say about this classic piece of feminist fiction because I want to implore you to read it whilst giving as little away as possible.

The Handmaid's Tale is a horrific portrayal of a future that, alarmingly, feels like it could possibly happen. It’s a dystopian reality, oddly quiet, yet digs deep into your soul. The author unfolds the story gradually, subtly painting an image of stifling oppression through the main character of Offred.

There are many themes to be taken from this book, and each reader will interpret it differently. But I can guarantee you will find yourself hanging on to every word.

Honestly? The Handmaid's Tale is terrifying. It doesn’t feel dated or far-fetched and that’s what makes it all the more disturbing. I’m a few pages from the end but I can already tell you it’s a book I’ll never forget.

And now for the TV show...

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