GoodReads Synopsis:
Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now . . .
Funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing, The Handmaid's Tale is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and tour de force.
Review:
Well, I’m now scarred for life; thank you very much Margaret Atwood. Oh, thank you to my sister, who is the only reason I read this book. My sister said she finished the entire book on a long flight, which might not sound like much but she rarely finishes a book. If she could not put the book down, I just had to see what it was about.
This novel is very well put together. Atwood paints a picture of a society that has mutilated religious ideals in order to twist life into a dream for a few but a living nightmare for others. The entire time I was reading this I kept thinking, “this could never happen,” women of the world would never let this happen. However, I then remember the photos I’ve seen of Afghanistan and Iran pre and post regime changes that implemented Islamic law. Those pictures clearly demonstrate– that we have already let this happen.
The Handmaid's Tale exemplifies some of the darkest aspects of human nature but also illustrates some of the best, such as the love for a child. It’s a tale of perseverance through hardship and political upheaval.