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A review by mirandababbitt
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
5.0
I listened to the audiobook version, read by Claire Danes. This version doesn't just tell a story—it insidiously crawls under your skin, leaving you in a state of discomfort and trepidation. There were times when I almost didn't want to click play, but I couldn't help myself from it either.
As someone who slept on this book for too long, this review is not just an endorsement. It's an urgent recommendation. This is a must-listen, not for its inherent discomfort, but for its all-too-tangible relevance in today's socio-political climate.
In her role as narrator, Danes is a true virtuoso. Her performance is outstanding. Without resorting to flamboyant character impersonations that could border on the irritating, she somehow infuses each character with a unique and distinct voice. There is an art to her subtle shifts in tone that capture the tension and the underlying emotions, rendering the characters and their plights strikingly real. I rarely think an audiobook actually elevates a reading experience, but I will forever be partial to any books read by Danes.
Now, onto the story.
The narrative presents an emotionally desolate world, where the hunger for love, connection, any drop of it, is pervasive. Each chapter, each line, is tinged with an unquenched yearning. It's this deep-seated absence that paradoxically makes the presence of love even more profoundly missed and desired.
The book made me question: Can those who want strict control over women genuinely understand love? Love involves supporting a person's own path to freedom, understanding, and respect. Trying to control someone contradicts these ideals. Control isn't a form of love; it's a display of deep disrespect, even hatred.
Roe v. Wade was already overturned by the time I read this book. In fact, that's what prompted me to pick this one up, finally, as everyone heralded Atwood as some sort of prophet.
Well, prophet or not, I'm horrified. This novel is, accurately, a chillingly stark reminder of the slippery slope from rights to control. It can happen overnight. It is happening already.
I rate this 5 out of 5 stars. Listen to it, and prepare to be profoundly affected.
As someone who slept on this book for too long, this review is not just an endorsement. It's an urgent recommendation. This is a must-listen, not for its inherent discomfort, but for its all-too-tangible relevance in today's socio-political climate.
In her role as narrator, Danes is a true virtuoso. Her performance is outstanding. Without resorting to flamboyant character impersonations that could border on the irritating, she somehow infuses each character with a unique and distinct voice. There is an art to her subtle shifts in tone that capture the tension and the underlying emotions, rendering the characters and their plights strikingly real. I rarely think an audiobook actually elevates a reading experience, but I will forever be partial to any books read by Danes.
Now, onto the story.
The narrative presents an emotionally desolate world, where the hunger for love, connection, any drop of it, is pervasive. Each chapter, each line, is tinged with an unquenched yearning. It's this deep-seated absence that paradoxically makes the presence of love even more profoundly missed and desired.
The book made me question: Can those who want strict control over women genuinely understand love? Love involves supporting a person's own path to freedom, understanding, and respect. Trying to control someone contradicts these ideals. Control isn't a form of love; it's a display of deep disrespect, even hatred.
Roe v. Wade was already overturned by the time I read this book. In fact, that's what prompted me to pick this one up, finally, as everyone heralded Atwood as some sort of prophet.
Well, prophet or not, I'm horrified. This novel is, accurately, a chillingly stark reminder of the slippery slope from rights to control. It can happen overnight. It is happening already.
I rate this 5 out of 5 stars. Listen to it, and prepare to be profoundly affected.