Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She has only one function: to breed. If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, 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. (19960627)
The Handmaid's Tale (Vintage Classics)
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"Out of a narrative shadowed by terror, gleam sharp perceptions, brilliant intense images and sardonic wit" (Peter Kemp Independent )
"The Handmaid's Tale is both a superlative exercise in science fiction and a profoundly felt moral story" (Angela Carter )
"Moving, vivid and terrifying. I only hope it's not prophetic" (Conor Cruise O'Brien The Listener )
"The images of brilliant emptiness are one of the most striking aspects of this novel about totalitarian blindness...the effect is chilling" (Linda Taylor Sunday Times )
"Powerful...admirable" (Robert Irwin Time Out )
"The Handmaid's Tale is both a superlative exercise in science fiction and a profoundly felt moral story" (Angela Carter )
"Moving, vivid and terrifying. I only hope it's not prophetic" (Conor Cruise O'Brien The Listener )
"The images of brilliant emptiness are one of the most striking aspects of this novel about totalitarian blindness...the effect is chilling" (Linda Taylor Sunday Times )
"Powerful...admirable" (Robert Irwin Time Out )
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'Compulsively readable' Daily Telegraph
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
146 of 153 people found the following review helpful
By Magpie
Format:Paperback
I still don't know what inspired me to take this book home from the library that day back when I was 16- up until then the only "grown up" literature I had read had been formulaic historical romances of the Catherine Cookson variety.
I can now credit this book with opening the door to a whole different world of books from what I was used to- books that demanded me to THINK.
And, being only 16, and not reading this book as part of my English class but rather just for myself, I was swept away by it.
Then, a couple of years ago, I got hold of a copy and read it again, curious if it would still seem so mind-blowing (I remember re-reading my beloved Narnia stories as an adult and getting the shock of my life).
And I can say that, half a life later, this book remains one of the best books I have ever read. Why?
I am still amazed at the author's imagination. How did she manage to describe the menace of a totalitarian regime so well? Science Fiction often dates quickly, seeming at best naive decades after it was written. And for me, reading this book 20-odd years after it was written, in this older and wiser post-9/11 world, certain aspects of the book took on new meaning (religious fundamental regime, strict rules about women's dress, football stadium executions).
It may not be a perfect book, but I think it is worth reading for its ideas (and warnings). And all that aside, it's a gripping read!
I can now credit this book with opening the door to a whole different world of books from what I was used to- books that demanded me to THINK.
And, being only 16, and not reading this book as part of my English class but rather just for myself, I was swept away by it.
Then, a couple of years ago, I got hold of a copy and read it again, curious if it would still seem so mind-blowing (I remember re-reading my beloved Narnia stories as an adult and getting the shock of my life).
And I can say that, half a life later, this book remains one of the best books I have ever read. Why?
I am still amazed at the author's imagination. How did she manage to describe the menace of a totalitarian regime so well? Science Fiction often dates quickly, seeming at best naive decades after it was written. And for me, reading this book 20-odd years after it was written, in this older and wiser post-9/11 world, certain aspects of the book took on new meaning (religious fundamental regime, strict rules about women's dress, football stadium executions).
It may not be a perfect book, but I think it is worth reading for its ideas (and warnings). And all that aside, it's a gripping read!
48 of 51 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
... it's a rattling good read.
Think about your ability to browse through an internet shop, the power you have to earn money, to hold it and to choose how you spend it. Think about your right to education, should you chose to exercise it. Think about warmth and love and husbands and children.
Imagine all that taken away, the sense of loss, love vanquished, family disappeared, and the comfort of books denied you. Imagine women colluding in oppressing their own sex.
But there is redemption in subversion and small acts of defiance.
It's a clever book, ideas subtly woven, like a fairy tale invoking the dark with the faint promise of light.
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A stunning novel which depicts a world all too possible in reaction to today's permissive society. It tells the story of Offred, condemned after a military coup, in which she is forcibly separated from her husband and daughter, to become a handmaid, whose function is to produce a child for an infertile older woman. Atwood's remarkable non-linear narrative technique takes getting used to, the main plot being punctuated by both recent and 'time before' flashbacks, but the story is so absorbing that you quickly get accustomed to the style. The novel is eloquently written with its fascination for the nuances of language; (natural communication is suppressed, a common feature of dystopian fiction.) As time passes, Offred's desire for freedom and determination to resist the regime (a Christian fundamentalist state, closely based on misogynistic Old Testament teachings) increase. We are entirely gripped by her plight and willing her to succeed. Does she? You will need to read the book to find out, but I can promise you, you will not anticipate the very unusual ending.
40 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book is one of the best depictions i have read about a anti-utopian future society, along with others like '1984' and 'Brave New World'.
It combines a futuristic reality, feminism and politics to create a very detailed novel considering many different aspects of 'Gilead'.
'Offred' is the complex lead character who draws us into the seemingly perfect but corrupt world of Gilead. Her pain is experienced by the readers who long to remember exactly what she has forgotten, and what she wants to find out.
The experiences she goes through are strange, sometimes outright bizarre,and her world comes crashing down on us.
'The Handmaids Tale' is very thought-provoking, the future of women and indeed the world lies in the actions of today's society, and Atwood uses her perceptions of the present world to support the background of her novel.
Altogether 'The Handmaids Tale offers what all novels should: love, loss, action, comedy(ironic,but appropriate) vision, plot. It plays with all emotions.
A very good read.
It combines a futuristic reality, feminism and politics to create a very detailed novel considering many different aspects of 'Gilead'.
'Offred' is the complex lead character who draws us into the seemingly perfect but corrupt world of Gilead. Her pain is experienced by the readers who long to remember exactly what she has forgotten, and what she wants to find out.
The experiences she goes through are strange, sometimes outright bizarre,and her world comes crashing down on us.
'The Handmaids Tale' is very thought-provoking, the future of women and indeed the world lies in the actions of today's society, and Atwood uses her perceptions of the present world to support the background of her novel.
Altogether 'The Handmaids Tale offers what all novels should: love, loss, action, comedy(ironic,but appropriate) vision, plot. It plays with all emotions.
A very good read.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By DevJohn01
Format:Paperback
I was very excited to begin reading this book. I loved the premise and thought that it would be interesting, but as I began reading I was looking for answers that Atwood didn't seem to want to provide. I wanted to know how this society where women were allowed no freedoms and were torn from their families and friends came about. How America, once the land of the free became the land of the oppressed. Call me impatient but as I read every chapter that left these questions unanswered the more bored I grew with this book. Until Atwood began to slowly reveal the events that led up to the existence of such a society and it was almost like a punch in the stomach when she did. It is impossible not to compare the events in this book with the events of the last few years and how our world is slowly changing, not necessarily in this direction, but it definitely makes you see how anything is possible.
I was only seven years old when this book was first published so I am not sure if Atwood was that prophetic or if the direction that this country was headed in was clear even then. I am sure the case is true more of the latter than the former. If you haven't read this book already I definitely suggest that you order a copy, it is worth the read. Personally I plan to pass my copy on to all of my friends and anyone else who may want to read it. This may be a hard title to find at your local bookstore but order it if need be, it is worth it!
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good
The product is as advertised on the listing, nothing is misleading about the details of the product. It has arrived on time and is well worth the purchase price.
Published 11 days ago by louisa
5.0 out of 5 stars
classic
I had never read this before and found myself totally glued to it. Its not the normal Teach-in English class book. it is haunting and really easy reading. Open your mind .... Read more
Published 13 days ago by K E Devaney
2.0 out of 5 stars
Review
The star rating is merely because my son couldn't bear to read it for english rather than a reflection on the service
Published 21 days ago by Dawn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book!
It has a great original story line and I would definitely recommend to others to read! I did find the ending a bit of a disappointment however.
Published 21 days ago by Chloe
2.0 out of 5 stars
Didn't get this book
I decided to read to the end of the book to see if things would fit into place but I'm afraid, for me, they didn't. Read more
Published 22 days ago by ZBL
5.0 out of 5 stars
A book you still think about long after you've finished reading it
I've never reviewed a book before but as I'm still thinking about this book weeks after reading it, I felt compelled to. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Emismumpy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not my usual type but fabulous!
Chosen for our book club. Would never have read it without being prompted. Thoroughly enjoyed it! A great book! Recommend to anyone looking to read something a bit different.
Published 1 month ago by alison turner
3.0 out of 5 stars
A bit disappointing
I have read a few of Margaret Atwood's books so had high expectations. As per her other books the back story is interesting - it is set in a strange world - but I have not given it... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Miss R A Clarke
4.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing story
This book is wonderful. Believable characters and the futuristic setting made this one of mymost enjoyable reads of the year so far. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jo
2.0 out of 5 stars
Couldnt get into this book
I found it hard to read, I didn't like the subject or characters and gave up reading it . I will not pick it up again.
Published 2 months ago by S. Jones
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