The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Just started this book. Was inspired to obtain a copy by the recent Simon Schama series and his interview with the author.As always the book was in perfect condition despite being second hand.

With Margaret Atwood being one of my favourite authors, I had to get this one to add to my collection. I've refrained from watching The Handmaid's Tale TV production so I can enjoy this read for a second time. Book was also in great condition, bargain price and quick delivery!

A favourite

It's nothing like I have ever read before, really intriguing story and interesting characters that grow on you. I love stories about the struggles that people face living in a corrupt society, how they survive. This story in particular really let readers into the mind of the protagonist. We know what she thinks and how she feels towards those higher up the food chain. I loved the book so much I even told my boyfriend all about it and we are going to watch the movie adaption.

A hard read, but good A level material.

Bought second hand so good value. Needed for A level English course. Story is a little hard going but good for analysing in class.

An essential read

I'll admit that I got hooked onto the TV series before reading the book! The book is even better than the TV series and reveals different dimensions of the main characters. It is Margaret Atwood at her absolute best and the writing is flawless. While the dystopian setting may be imaginary, the characters' strengths and flaws as well as the underlying societal horrors are frightening in their reality. Thought-provoking far beyond the plot.

Compelling read

Told from the perspective of an unwilling participant in a new social regime, with occasional glimpses into the structure of a new world order. Maybe similar to Anne Frank's observations from her attic. Written almost claustrophobically as the story unfolds through one woman's eyes interspersed with recalled memories of a former life.

Remarkable

Shortly after starting the Hulu series starring Elizabeth Moss, I came across this book, immediately stopped watching, purchased the book and began reading.Atwood is able to describe vividly not only the devastating scene in Gilead but also the state of mind of June. You feel as if you know her, who she was, and who she became in Gilead. June hoped she was speaking to You, I believe she was. Atwood was fantastic.The flashbacks to before, the brief whispered conversations between the Handmaids, the grit and courage to stay alive, all made a true June heroine and this book spills this to the reader in the most delicate way. You cannot but help feel impacted by this story. Remarkable.

The book for our time

The Handmaid's Tale is a superb classic, yet is still highly relevant in today's society. Told in Margaret Atwood's incredible voice, The Handmaid's Tale puts the mirror up to patriarchy and control from the top. Atwood's social commentary at its best. One of my favourites!

Unexpected and thought provoking

This book presents an interesting scenario of a dramatic shift in the way that society functions. Women in this society find themselves to be valued as little more than breeders, losing their rights to both freedom and education.I found it a little difficult to relate to the main character. I found myself feeling quite frustrated on her behalf and wished she would be a little less accepting of her situation and position as a 'breeder'.Having said this, the story was compelling and by the end I found myself questioning my reaction to Offred and the situation in which she found herself. I can see myself picking this up again in a few years to see if my opinion has changed.