The Handmaid's Tale
by Margaret Atwood
Award: LA Times Winner 1986
Nominations: Booker Finalist 1986, NY Times Finalist 1986
Date Read: September 6, 1988
The Handmaid's Tale has recently become popular again due to the series created by Hulu. With the discourse regarding women's rights happening right now, the timing couldn't be better. And allegedly, Atwood is working on a sequel named The Testaments that should be published sometime this year (fingers crossed).
The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel set in the undefinable future and follows Offred's life, her name being that of the male master she serves - in this case, Of Fred. The novel jumps from the past to the present and back again, describing how women lost their rights and how they secretively struggle for individualism and independence. Women do not control their own bodies, fates or desires but are completely at the whim of men.
The Handmaid's Tale is not only masterfully written but presents complex ideas and concepts in a very digestible narrative that allows readers to experience Atwood's point of view. She touches on politics, gender, caste/class and religion using rich symbolism and strong characters to drive home her points.
I have read other works from Atwood but this novel will always remain my favorite. I will hedge by saying so far.
Date Read: September 6, 1988
The Handmaid's Tale has recently become popular again due to the series created by Hulu. With the discourse regarding women's rights happening right now, the timing couldn't be better. And allegedly, Atwood is working on a sequel named The Testaments that should be published sometime this year (fingers crossed).
The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian novel set in the undefinable future and follows Offred's life, her name being that of the male master she serves - in this case, Of Fred. The novel jumps from the past to the present and back again, describing how women lost their rights and how they secretively struggle for individualism and independence. Women do not control their own bodies, fates or desires but are completely at the whim of men.
The Handmaid's Tale is not only masterfully written but presents complex ideas and concepts in a very digestible narrative that allows readers to experience Atwood's point of view. She touches on politics, gender, caste/class and religion using rich symbolism and strong characters to drive home her points.
I have read other works from Atwood but this novel will always remain my favorite. I will hedge by saying so far.
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