Handmaid's Tale, The
Atwood, MargaretA visionary novel that looks to the future of the human race and a world radically changed. Offred, the handmaid, learns how to survive in the repressive, post-holocaust Republic of Gilead. Ominous references to the "time before" points to present-day society.
Comments from Groups
High scores from us - still as chilling and not as dated, as those who had read it long ago, had imagined. Clear, evocative, detailed yet spare writing. Plenty of relevance for discussion. A 'classic'. Auckland 063 Simple to read yet difficult to digest, this book polarised our group, but we all found it fascinating and it provoked intense discussion. How would we respond as women in that situation? Could something like that happen in New Zealand? Auckland 248 The book was generally well liked by all members. We had a good long discussion about it - very thought provoking about womens' rights. Cambridge 005 No one could actually 'enjoy' this book, but it certainly led to heated discussion which was most stimulating! Taumarunui 003 Thoroughly enjoyed by all except one. Definitely ahead of its time - it would have been good to read it when it was originally written! Hamilton 022 Everyone enjoyed the book and agreed it was very well written and worryingly 'possible'. Some were shocked to discover how old the book is! Bream 001 Whew! What an imagination, and such insight.... We really tore this one to bits. We didn't 'enjoy' it as such, but it really made us 'think'. Murchison 001
Pages
324
324
Year
1987
1987
Reviews
16-04-2020
Excellent book - highly recommended.
16-04-2020
Mixed reviews. Some loved it, some found it too dark.
16-04-2020
Provoked a good discussion!
16-04-2020
Excellent. Thank you.
16-04-2020
What a riveting read! Most of the group couldn't say they 'enjoyed' the book, but all were compelled to complete it. Provoked much thought and discussion. Margaret Atwood has an ability to involve her readers - as much by what she doesn't write as what she puts in print. Once again (as in Alias Grace) we were left to draw our own conclusions.
16-04-2020
By the end of the discussion we all agreed the events and the world we had entered were uncomfortably possible, and in fact occur in many cultures and sects already. We found it uncomfortable and scary and fascinating - not all enjoyed reading it but all pleased they had.
16-04-2020
We thought the notes were very well-written and helpful! Interesting and disturbing, gave us food for thought. Generated an interesting discussion.
16-04-2020
Most people liked it, although some did not finish it as found it hard to get into.
16-04-2020
Better the second time around and when we are older. Everyone read and enjoyed the book.
16-04-2020
Not a book to be enjoyed, but we were compelled to finish. We agreed with the comment that 'the book fascinates and repels the reader'. Will we read the sequel Some will, I think.