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

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I adored reading this book so much for my A-Level English! There were vast amounts of hidden themes and topics, alongside the very graphic obvious ones. Atwood somehow managed to write a book that is still relevant 36 years after it's first publication and still just as much food-for-thought.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, and Violence

Moderate: Cursing and Infidelity

Minor: Blood, Child death, and Confinement

While the themes of this book are heavy going, and I would recommend thinking twice about how empathetic and mentally stable you are before heading to Gilead, I do believe it is an important book to read for those who feel able