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ramyarath's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Dark and poignant. By giving an extreme example of a dystopian society where women are oppressed It raises many questions regarding the treatment of women even in our society.
caliseales's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
dnandrews797's review against another edition
4.0
I ended up reading this one for a class but I’m so glad I did. I think it’s even more profound that the things the women in this novel are subjected to are not fictional, but in fact things that have happened to them in different cultures throughout history. A cautionary tale against a patriarchal society steeped in drama and suspense. An excellent read.
sophi_a's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.75
veraann's review against another edition
4.0
This is not an action packed dystopian. In fact not much really happens. We get a glimpse of life and the thoughts of a "handmaid" in the world Atwood has created. It is kind of depressing, horrible and thought provoking. The world has changed and there are those that remember the times before. The government is gone, the ones in power are unknown, but come up with a societal structure for the country.
You can assimilate, reeducate, be put to death, or be put outside society in hazardous areas. This story is told by a woman who remembers what life was as a story of someone. A disconnect from her own self to be a person adjusting to what is now 'normal'.
It's interesting thinking how easily life can change and what people will do to survive. Fight against society or fight against themselves. What people do to convince themselves what is good, what is normal and acceptable.
You can assimilate, reeducate, be put to death, or be put outside society in hazardous areas. This story is told by a woman who remembers what life was as a story of someone. A disconnect from her own self to be a person adjusting to what is now 'normal'.
It's interesting thinking how easily life can change and what people will do to survive. Fight against society or fight against themselves. What people do to convince themselves what is good, what is normal and acceptable.
debbiem226's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I have always wanted to read this classic, especially after watching the Hulu series and absolutely loving it. I was skeptical that it would be so closely in line with the show as usually not everything translates to the screen as well so many changes are made. I gotta say the series is pretty spot on and the book wow just wow!
There’s a reason that this novel was adapted and why no matter the time it’s still relevant and a captivating tale. Honestly the description of how America fell and Gilead took over is scary!!! Mostly because it’s believable and not so far fetched. The manipulation and fear driven take over…i don’t know I’d like to think better of mankind but it makes you question what people would do…what you yourself would do if faced in this kind of circumstance. I’d like to think I’d do my best to try and help others escape, if I myself weren’t taken. I’d like to think I’d fight for freedom even give my life if need be but if you’ve seen the show or read the book it would be easy to see how these characters ended up in the predicaments they were each in.
There were so many thought provoking quotes throughout this book that I know i will be going back and rereading. I normally wouldn’t read something after having already watched an adaptation but man am i glad i did. I think the most interesting part of the book is the end and the way it’s been years later and how this civil war is being discussed in a classroom. Isn’t that what we ourselves have done at some point in time, apt pupils in a classroom setting learning about and discussing the cruelties and casualties of wars and hardships in history, debating and conversing on how these pinnacle moments formed our present time. Such a great read will be recommending.
There’s a reason that this novel was adapted and why no matter the time it’s still relevant and a captivating tale. Honestly the description of how America fell and Gilead took over is scary!!! Mostly because it’s believable and not so far fetched. The manipulation and fear driven take over…i don’t know I’d like to think better of mankind but it makes you question what people would do…what you yourself would do if faced in this kind of circumstance. I’d like to think I’d do my best to try and help others escape, if I myself weren’t taken. I’d like to think I’d fight for freedom even give my life if need be but if you’ve seen the show or read the book it would be easy to see how these characters ended up in the predicaments they were each in.
There were so many thought provoking quotes throughout this book that I know i will be going back and rereading. I normally wouldn’t read something after having already watched an adaptation but man am i glad i did. I think the most interesting part of the book is the end and the way it’s been years later and how this civil war is being discussed in a classroom. Isn’t that what we ourselves have done at some point in time, apt pupils in a classroom setting learning about and discussing the cruelties and casualties of wars and hardships in history, debating and conversing on how these pinnacle moments formed our present time. Such a great read will be recommending.
ten_ho's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
giannamastrion's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0