A review by readerdedeya
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

challenging dark sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

The handmaid's tale is about a woman who finds herself in a totalitarian state, in which women have no rights. They are subject to the governors, who belong to the ruling class in Gilead. Offred is forced to participate in rituals, in which she is being raped by the governor, in hopes of becoming pregnant and sustaining his position. As the story unfolds, we learn about her former life, her husband and daughter, who got caught by the Eyes before the American government had been overthrown. We also meet Moira, who escapes the institution in which they were being indoctrinated and meet her later again, with her spirit broken. Offred is forced by the governor's wife to sleep with nick, who is a servant in the governors household. The writing is compelling, the story so riveting and fascinating. I liked the short sentences and the love of detail. I really enjoyed this book, warning us that the world we know could be taken from us every minute. We need to pay attention.