A review by readitandweep543
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I think that this is a great book, though I dislike a few aspects of it. However, to start with the good: I love and respect Atwood’s commitment to using elements of history for all of the book’s horrific nature. It bolsters its credibility, terrifies the reader, and teaches them many lessons that they may be trying to avoid. Additionally, I love how flawed the characters’ views of the world and each other are, their realistic lack of unity is a cautionary tale against turning on your allies and picking them apart instead of fighting greater evils. Also, poor June. I know that that's obvious, but fuck. As for what I don't like: I do not think that the single “Sons of Ham“ line, or the justification in the historical notes is a solid enough reason to have the black people all sent off. I understand that Atwood was not intending to be racist, nor do I think that having black characters face worse things (or even be sent off) IS racist. My gripe is simply that it is underexplained, and the inclusion of other POC in the main storyline really cements my opinion. To be fair to her, the line seems to be short to drive home the fact that human beings could be such an afterthought to their fellow man, however black people were not really an afterthought to those who the line is derived from, they were a concern, like termites. All in all, though, I really appreciate the book for its integrity and boldness, especially for its time of publication. I would certainly recommend.
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