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A review by ojtheviking
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
5.0
There are some books where it almost feels redundant to write a review, because they've become such highly regarded classics over time, that all former feedback sort of speaks for itself. However, I still want to put some of my thoughts into words. It should also be noted that this is my first meeting with Atwood's dystopian scenario, as I have yet to begin watching the TV series. I wanted to read the book first, simply put.
What makes The Handmaid's Tale so terrifying, is the grounded realism within this fictional dystopia. She has borrowed from both real history and from issues that are in fact relevant topics to this day. Atwood has taken inspiration from some of society's worst sides, making The Handmaid's Tale more of a cautionary tale than pure science fiction. Her story gives nods to, as well as touches directly upon, concepts such as theocratic dictatorship (which in and of itself has one foot in cult and sect structure and mentality); oppression, naturally followed by repression; capital punishment; and, of course, the patriarchy's hunger for power and the desire to control women.
This book was originally published in 1985, but as many of these aforementioned concepts have a tendency to re-emerge like a morbid societal cycle, the book is very relevant to where we've ended up these days. Trump's America, "Straight Pride", abortion issues that threaten to deprive women of their rights and control over their own bodies; children being put in concentration camps. And without having seen the TV series yet, I'd be inclined to believe that the decision to make a TV series adaptation of this novel, and the fact that production of this series started in 2016, are no coincidences. As grim certain aspects of The Handmaid's Tale are, reality is beginning to look equally grim in some ways.
As for Atwood's writing style, I loved it. I've seen some commentaries here and there, with some saying it was too slow, or that the main character's first-person narrative used a lot of off-putting descriptions. Naturally, I can't speak for others, and definitely not for their personal taste. However, with that said, I'm a little curious as to what it was that made them feel this way, and how far into the book they made it before realizing this. And I'm left to wonder if some of the people who disliked it might simply be put off by depressing stories in general. Again, though, I don't want to assume too much.
All in all, it was a masterpiece. One that got me thinking, got me frustrated, got me provoked, but I still enjoyed the writing, and admire how a novel can sometimes be powerful enough to affect you on an emotional level.
Now that I've finally read The Handmaid's Tale, I should get started on the TV series soon. I also know that a sequel, The Testaments, will be published in September, so I'll have to read that one eventually as well.
What makes The Handmaid's Tale so terrifying, is the grounded realism within this fictional dystopia. She has borrowed from both real history and from issues that are in fact relevant topics to this day. Atwood has taken inspiration from some of society's worst sides, making The Handmaid's Tale more of a cautionary tale than pure science fiction. Her story gives nods to, as well as touches directly upon, concepts such as theocratic dictatorship (which in and of itself has one foot in cult and sect structure and mentality); oppression, naturally followed by repression; capital punishment; and, of course, the patriarchy's hunger for power and the desire to control women.
This book was originally published in 1985, but as many of these aforementioned concepts have a tendency to re-emerge like a morbid societal cycle, the book is very relevant to where we've ended up these days. Trump's America, "Straight Pride", abortion issues that threaten to deprive women of their rights and control over their own bodies; children being put in concentration camps. And without having seen the TV series yet, I'd be inclined to believe that the decision to make a TV series adaptation of this novel, and the fact that production of this series started in 2016, are no coincidences. As grim certain aspects of The Handmaid's Tale are, reality is beginning to look equally grim in some ways.
As for Atwood's writing style, I loved it. I've seen some commentaries here and there, with some saying it was too slow, or that the main character's first-person narrative used a lot of off-putting descriptions. Naturally, I can't speak for others, and definitely not for their personal taste. However, with that said, I'm a little curious as to what it was that made them feel this way, and how far into the book they made it before realizing this. And I'm left to wonder if some of the people who disliked it might simply be put off by depressing stories in general. Again, though, I don't want to assume too much.
All in all, it was a masterpiece. One that got me thinking, got me frustrated, got me provoked, but I still enjoyed the writing, and admire how a novel can sometimes be powerful enough to affect you on an emotional level.
Now that I've finally read The Handmaid's Tale, I should get started on the TV series soon. I also know that a sequel, The Testaments, will be published in September, so I'll have to read that one eventually as well.