57 pages 1 hour read

Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood, is set in a dystopian future where the protagonist, Offred, serves as a Handmaid in the repressive theocracy known as the Republic of Gilead. Offred is forced to bear children for the ruling class and recounts her daily life alongside memories of her past before the regime's rise. The narrative explores her interactions with the Commander, his Wife Serena Joy, and figures like Nick and her fellow Handmaids while subtly uncovering a resistance movement against the theocratic rule. The story reveals Offred's struggle for autonomy and identity in a society that severely restricts women's rights and freedoms. The plot includes instances and discussions of misogyny, abuse, rape, assault, and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale has been praised for its compelling, dystopian narrative and rich, thought-provoking themes on gender and power. Critics highlight Atwood's eloquent writing and the novel's chilling relevance. However, some find its bleakness challenging and character development occasionally lacking. Overall, it remains a poignant, impactful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Handmaid's Tale?

Readers who enjoy dystopian fiction with strong feminist themes, thought-provoking social commentary, and complex characters will appreciate The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Fans of George Orwell’s 1984 and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World will find this novel particularly engaging.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Gender / Feminism

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Classic Fiction