The Handmaid's Tale deserves all the hype. Not only is it a compelling look at a very twisted future society, but it is also well written with vivid descriptions and sophisticated use of language. And it isn't bloated like most popular young adult dystopian stories seem to be.
I won't say much about the plot since I think most people know. The basic premise is the population is decreasing because most women can't have babies. So if you can, you become a Handmaid, which basically means you are assigned to some man so that you can become impregnated. While handmaids are revered and protected, they are very oppressed.
Do educators use this book in the classroom? I just think there is so much to discuss here. I don't know of any classrooms that read this.
I'm looking forward to watching the series now, although I'm sure I'll be disappointed. And I need to read the second book, The Testaments. If you are at all interested in dystopian stories, don't miss this one.
Published by McClelland and Stewart, 1985
eBook obtained from the library
320 pages
Rating: 5/5
O read Handmaid's Tale years ago but I can remember it like I read it yesterday. The Testaments is so good, too. Atwood is such a good writer.
ReplyDeleteI've tried to read this book several times and haven't gotten past the first chapter! Maybe I need to be a little more patient with it because I love dystopian novels and everyone raves about how good this one is. Glad you enjoyed it!
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