You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
red_lapis 's review for:
The Handmaid's Tale
by Margaret Atwood
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I didn't expect anything less, but what a phenomenal read.
I had put off reading for a long time as I had watched the show and assumed the book would be too sad and heavy, however despite the grim circumstances of the story, there was surprisingly more moment of hope and lightness than I anticipated. However there is of course many dark and angering points in the plot, and the way Atwood jumps to and from the heaviness is masterful and engrossing.
The characters are wonderfully complex and layered, and the narration of the main characters thoughts and experiences is so realistic and relatable that it draws you in so much. The story itself is fantastic - full of mystery, fear, dread, horror and disappointment, but somehow never too intense or heavy that you have to put it down.
A hugely important read for anyone, anywhere, to understand how far woman have come in history but also the risk that sometimes feels so closely around the corner. So glad I finally read it.
I had put off reading for a long time as I had watched the show and assumed the book would be too sad and heavy, however despite the grim circumstances of the story, there was surprisingly more moment of hope and lightness than I anticipated. However there is of course many dark and angering points in the plot, and the way Atwood jumps to and from the heaviness is masterful and engrossing.
The characters are wonderfully complex and layered, and the narration of the main characters thoughts and experiences is so realistic and relatable that it draws you in so much. The story itself is fantastic - full of mystery, fear, dread, horror and disappointment, but somehow never too intense or heavy that you have to put it down.
A hugely important read for anyone, anywhere, to understand how far woman have come in history but also the risk that sometimes feels so closely around the corner. So glad I finally read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Homophobia, Infertility, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Antisemitism, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Murder, Pregnancy, War
Moderate: Animal death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Death of parent, Alcohol