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

challenging dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Possibly the prettiest book I own (so pretty I couldn't bring myself to ruin it with my neon tabs for annotations), the Handmaid's Tale is basically 1984 but directed at women. Set in the Republic of Gilead, a frightening dystopia where misogyny and patriarchy have reached extreme, unfathomable levels, Offred, one of the Handmaids, is nothing but a vessel for reproduction. Her story is a message, a warning from Atwood herself, which can be very traumatic to read. This is definitely a book I would have loved if I were older, its themes are a little too dark for me right now but it is masterfully written by one of the most prolific feminist icons. The writing style is a mix of Morrison's stream of consciousness as well as Atwood's constant metaphors, making the distinction between narrator and author a little confusing. There are a lot of gaps in the reader's understanding of how such a situation was allowed to take place as that aspect is brushed over and the present circumstances are highlighted. However, the last few pages are brilliant and a smart way of ending Offred's story. I would recommend this only to readers who have the capacity to handle such trauma (please look for the trigger warnings)
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