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

challenging dark 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

3.75

Listen... this book is monumental. This book is a pioneer. This book is important. But it just doesn't read very well. Although I adore Atwood's prose to the bottom of my heart, it can be intensely figurative in ways that actively obstruct the storytelling. Although I thought the premise was intensely engaging, the plot was so goddamned slow and un-engaging that it was easy to lose sight of the actual developing story. And most of all, although I think the themes are unfailingly relevant, it is fundamentally wrong to reframe the oppression of women of colour as a white narrative.
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