The Handmaid's Tale; Margaret Atwood
read by Claire Danes (excellent)
I first read this book back in January of 2010, but since everyone seems to be talking about the television series or the book lately, I decided to try it again, but this time on audio -- read by Claire Danes (who did an awesome job). Once again, I really enjoyed this book, which is clearly outside of the kinds of books I am normally drawn to -- happy reading surprise. Below is my review from 2010.
Margaret Atwood's, The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel set in the futuristic Republic of Gilead, formerly the US, a place now run by a conservative Christian dictatorship. It is here where the men are in charge, everyone is being watched over, and all offenders of ANY laws are prosecuted.
The narrator, thirty-three year old Offred, is a "handmaid". (a handmaid is a fertile woman whose life is one of isolation. She is forbidden associations with other men or friendships with other women). Previously, Offred enjoyed life with her husband and child. She use to have her own job, own money, and own interests. Since she is presumed fertile, the new leadership has taken away her child, her money and she is being offered to the Commander of the government as a "handmaid" for the purpose of being him a child. With birthrates declining dramatically, women are prized only for their fertility and their ability to reproduce. They are forbidden to work, own property or even to (GASP) read. If no baby is produced within two years these "handmaids" are sent to colonies for "unwomen".
MY THOUGHTS - Can you imagine such a scary thought -- women being stripped of their identity and having their existence justified by their ability to breed? Without giving away too much of the plot, I'll just say that there is even a monthly "ceremony" ritual that made me scratch my head in disbelief. How about a repressive society where order is maintained by terrorizing its people? A chilling, but thought provoking read that drew me in from the very first page. I did not expect to enjoy this book, however by the end I was amazed at what an effect this book had on me.
Rating - 4.5/5 stars
I haven't seen the television series yet, have you? If so what did you think?
I loved the audio of this too.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love when something you didn't think you would like works out so well? Glad u liked it.
DeleteI read this book when it first came out and so it has been SO LONG! You have spurred me to watch the Hulu series this summer.
ReplyDeleteHelen,
DeleteMy friend watched the series and had read the book and she said she couldn't sleep at night just thinking about it.
I read this back in the 80s and am overdue for a reread. Must watch the television series, too!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, a refresher is a must, LOL I'd like to see the series as well.
DeleteI'm in the middle of reading or rather, listening to some books that seemed outside my norm. I think I need to listen to this one. I've been a fan of Claire Danes since her early years and that teen show she was on. It was a big favorite of my daughter's. And I've never really been drawn to this book, but amazingly, I am now. Thanks for featuring it again, Diane!
ReplyDeleteClaire Danes voice was perfect for this book; I do hope you will enjoy it Kay.
DeleteI reread the book last year. I have not watched the series yet. I am ambivalent about watching it even though Margaret Atwood has given it her blessing.
ReplyDeleteMy friend watched the series and had read the book and she said she couldn't sleep at night just thinking about it.
DeleteI hope you'll enjoy it Vicki, the audio is so very good.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like it would be great to listen to. I haven't read it, nor have I seen the TV series. But it sounds very compelling!
ReplyDeleteI did find myself uttering, "this is just fiction" LOL -- at times.
DeleteI loved the book and I do watch the series slowly. It is all very creepy and so easy to make connections in today's world.
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what my friend said!
DeleteI really need to read this one again. I read it ages ago. Don't remember much, either.
ReplyDeleteTerrifying LOL
ReplyDelete