41.5k reviews for:

The Handmaid's Tale

Margaret Atwood

4.18 AVERAGE

risten's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Diverse cast of characters: No

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Infertility, Infidelity, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Gaslighting, Classism

Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, War

Minor: Vomit

kmbaumer's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional inspiring tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

van_hoose's review against another edition

5.0

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I loved how this was written - it truly felt like I was listening to someone tell me a story. The historical symposium at the end was fascinating for the world building aspect. I feel like people don’t talk about that part enough. We really see how a system like that can beat someone down so easily but also how so many people choose to believe they’re okay/that things are good. Definitely a harder read in 2025, but a weirdly relatable one. 

alli_readz's review against another edition

3.0

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This book was very passive and had no movement. I know this was the point of the story and contributed to the overall message but it’s just not something I can get into. All I can say was it was alright.

milllamatilllda's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

lillykatediaz's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

izuminienn's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

andrea_edwards's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark emotional slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

laurentoski's review against another edition

4.5

dark emotional informative reflective 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

curiouskettle's review against another edition

4.5

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated