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The 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 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.

Item Information Item Information

Format: Hardcover
Author: Atwood, Margaret
ISBN: 9781328879943
Condition: Used
Dimensions: 8.30 x 1.30
Number Of Pages: 320
Publication Year: 2017

Customer Reviews

Rating Snapshot

5 ★ 65%

4 ★ 15%

3 ★ 15%

2 ★ 0%

1 ★ 5%

4.3

20 Ratings

0 Recommendations

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A chilling modern classic that withstands the test of time

Alicia S. - 2 years 5 months ago

I have only one complaint about this novel: that it isn't part of a series-I could have read at least three more books about the city of Gilead. Offred is living in an oppressive patriarchal society, serving as a handmaid to The Commander and his wife, Serena Joy. In war-time America where Congress has been overthrown and families torn apart, population has taken a perilous plunge. Handmaids have been trained and dispatched for one purpose: to become pregnant and repopulate the nation. Everyone has a prescribed profession, and everyone has their reasons for playing their part. Everyone is being watched, everyone is watching, and the cost for defying the corrupt higher officials is steep. This dystopian futuristic story has it all: suspense, unrequited love, violence, cultural and political commentary, underground societies, and so much more. (Not to mention Margaret Atwood's marvelous writing). The Handmaid's Tale left me contemplating for days after I finished reading it.
HPB Staff Review
Critical Reader for a Society in Deep Flux

HPB S. - 5 years 6 months ago

Extremely thought-provoking then AND now. To be considered a warning for what our society could be, and an exploration of the tricky and sometimes sinister bounds of human nature. We could arrive at this point. Let us avoid it!
This book can be triggering, so be sure that you are in an okay space to read it before you dive in.

Lindsey S. - 5 years 6 months ago

This book is so important for everyone to read. The world-building is terrifying and incredibly well-done. Even though this apocalyptic world seems so far off, everything written about has, at some point somewhere, been actually done, according to Atwood. Read this book to stop it from happening in the future. #bannedbook
Did not know what to expect.

J S. - 5 years 6 months ago

I found this book very interesting. It was stunned how this society acted. I would recommend this book to others.
Magnanimous Ingenuity of Margaret Atwood

Olivia W. - 5 years 6 months ago

Oh. My. God. The Handmaid’s Tale is my favorite book ever. It sounds weird, primarily because of the treatment of women in Gilead. It’s my favorite because I view it as a warning, a warning to women specifically. This novel, especially with the way 2020 has gone, is more relevant than ever. I just reread it this past week. It applies to this time more than any other book I have ever read. Written in 1985, Atwood has masterfully crafted this novel to apply to any era, any year, any day. The lack of technology, specificity to dates, and, overall, her magnanimous ingenuity leads to this being a perfect novel. The only downfall? It is a little hard to understand the timeline at first, but you are totally in the know on the second read. Whenever I read this excellent novel, I am transported into Offred’s mind. I highly recommend this #bannedbook!

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A chilling modern classic that withstands the test of time

Critical Reader for a Society in Deep Flux

This book can be triggering, so be sure that you are in an okay space to read it before you dive in.

Did not know what to expect.

Magnanimous Ingenuity of Margaret Atwood