Book & TV Show Review: The Handmaid’s Tale
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The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Goodreads Score 4.11 | 1,302,048 Ratings | 64,534 Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description
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.
“Better never means better for everyone… It always means worse, for some.”
My Thoughts
Blessed be the fruit. Where do I even begin? The Handmaid’s Tale is not a story for everyone. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but if you can get passed some of the vile things that are happening in Gilead, you’ll find the beauty and power behind this story. Margaret Atwood’s writing is unique, and you must stay on your toes, so to speak while reading this book. It’s thought-provoking, and you have to be able to read between the lines. Not everything is clear, and you must think outside the box. It sounds like a difficult read, but when you really think about it, it’s brilliant!
“But remember that forgiveness too is a power. To beg for it is a power, and to withhold or bestow it is a power, perhaps the greatest.”
TV Show
Season one of the TV show follows the book. Season two and three are continuations of the story and only specific points from the book trickle into season two other than that it’s all-new. For the most part, they did an excellent job following the book in the show. I highly recommend that you read the book first. It will soften the blow of what you’re about to watch. The show will have you cheering and feeling the power of these poor women, and then the next second will leave you so angry. You’ll find yourself sympathizing with the “villains” and will hate yourself for it, but that’s just how complicated this story is. You’re probably thinking, why would anyone put themselves through all that. This story makes you think, and that’s why I love it. I don’t care much for mindless shows. The Handmaid’s Tale is so wrong yet so good!
“But who can remember pain, once it’s over? All that remains of it is a shadow, not in the mind even, in the flesh. Pain marks you, but too deep to see. Out of sight, out of mind.”
What's Next
Atwood recently released The Testaments. From what I hear, it’s not a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale but more of a companion book. I have not dived into that book, but it is on my to be read list. Season four of the TV show is to release in the Fall of this year only on Hulu. If you watch the show, you’ll remember season three ended with a massive cliffhanger, so I’m eagerly waiting to see what happens next.
Have you watched the show or read the book? How do you feel about this story? I would love to hear your thoughts. Let’s chat in the comments down below.
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading. Please take a moment to like and share this post if you enjoyed it. I also hope you’ll consider subscribing before you leave. Be sure also to check out my everything books page for a list of my all-time favorites, what I’m currently reading, a few of my boy’s favorite books, and more.
Until next time be happy, be kind, be you!
Comments are closed.
Jocelyn
February 23, 2020 at 7:07 pmTotal gonna have to go out and get this
Noosha
February 23, 2020 at 7:08 pmYou’ll have to let me know how you like it 🙂
Little Fires Everywhere - life by noosha
March 3, 2020 at 11:02 am[…] these perspectives and empathizing with both of the polar opposite characters. In my last review on The Handmaid’s Tale, I shared how every once in a while, I love a good book that pulls you out of your comfort zone and […]