The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel | Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel | Margaret Atwood | an example of religious extremism in a futuristic world

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The Handmaid's Tal...

	The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel Margaret Atwood Anchor, 1998 - 320 pages average customer review:based on 561 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Ladies, Be En Guard!!!

I, like many other of the reviewers, had read this book for the first time back in high school and it blew my mind. In the good old 90's, it seemed like simply a very well written, if slightly over the top, cautionary tale. Now after see how many of our civil liberties have been taken away, how many insurance companies refuse to cover birth control even for married couples, pharmacies refusing to fill birth control prescriptions, and how even some mainstream Christian speakers are proclaiming how women need to fill no other role besides wives and mothers (forever obedient to the male figure in their lives), this novel literally seems to becoming true. Anyone who thinks this novel is Christian bashing needs to actually read his Bible: the only real difference between Iran and Falwell's American dream is one less prophet. This book shows what life would be like when everything must be done according to the Bible (hint: it ain't pretty). After reading this, anyone (but especially women) should be scared and galvinized to make certain that this doesn't happen. Remember, the citizens in this story lost their human rights much in the same way as the Jews under the Nazis: very slowly and a little at a time until they finally woke up in a living hell. Read this magnificant book and don't allow it to happen here!

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an example of religious extremism in a futuristic world

I found The Handmaid's Tale to be a dark and mysterious novel, with many references to imminent societal problems. Interest is piqued with an end almost equally as mysterious as its entire content. Atwood creates and portrays an all too possible future, which she based on the political actions taking place in the mid 1980's, when religious rights began pressing into politics.

Margaret Atwood's writing style emphasizes the pressing issues laid before in a feasible future for the United States. The use of first person enables the reader to become acquainted with the main character, Offred, and her surroundings. Her feelings are bared only to the reader, allowing for them to make a real connection with her situation. Atwood also uses very "real" diction, encompassing many aspects used in everyday speech. This everyday dialect permits the reader to better understand Offred's daily struggle with society.

Atwood's style is what made me really enjoy reading this book. I felt as though I could truly relate to the bravery, intelligence and boldness of Offred while she secretly holds on to her memories. Day after day she resists all temptations and the world that has become her reality. The oppression against women, even though The Handmaid's Tale is most definitely based in a woman's world, cements my respect for the valor and defiance of Offred. Religious ideology invades the social structure, creating an even more distinct extremist culture where, although the power and regard for women is undeniable, men are the dominant gender. Offred's account is one of true beauty and strength in an emotionless and sexist society.

Although The Handmaid's Tale is an example of an extreme situation, many areas in the modern world are showing similar ideals. Some Islamic societies and African cultures have oppressed the rights of their women, allowing the men to dominate while other countries have great difficulty separating the church and the state. Parts of the future presented in The Handmaid's Tale are already represented in modern societies, and are possible future problems for all.

I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a break from the naïve and mindless chick-lit of today. It encompasses dark and pressing issues, with a most fitting ending allowing for hope. Atwood's inspiring novel is truly a literary work of genius about love, the struggle of an oppressed life, and a society of all trust with no questioning.

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Interesting dystopia and unique style of narration

I read this book because I've enjoyed some classic dystopian novels like 1984, Brave New World, We (Yevgeny Zamyatin), Fahrenheit 451; and thought this would be interesting for the same reasons. It was satisfying for the vision of dystopia it offers but it was more than just that. The narration, told from first-person perspective, was so strong in its power to paint the mood and thoughts of the heroine that I could feel her pain as a male reader. This is a vision of the future that is not made frightening by advances in surveillance or reproductive technology, but as a warning of what society can become power is seized by blind ideology gone mad. Perhaps it is the author's feminine touch that adds the unique viewpoint from which you will live the story. I am recommending this book especially to readers who are interested in political religion, feminism, dystopian literature.

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I'm becoming an Atwood fan

If you haven't read an Atwood book, I suggest you pick one up ASAP. Her books are amazingly well written. She tells the story in a way that keeps you wondering throughout and wanting to get to the end so you know everything. She tells you a little bit at a time, with only some of the details in the beginning so you have to wonder what happened in the world she's created.

In this story, men have taken over the United States and taken away all women's rights. They've also invoked the law of Rachel and Leah, which comes from the Bible, in which Rachel could not have children so she asked her husband to sleep with the handmaid so they could have a child of their own. The men in the book warp this bible reference to mean that it is women who are barren, not men who are sterile. If their wife cannot have children, not tests are done, it is assumed that the woman is the problem and the couple is given a handmaid for two years. If the handmaid does not become pregnant after being stationed with three different couples she is killed.

The book shows what it would be like if women's rights were taken away. It shows how people can be forced to believe in anything if there is enough fear. And it shows that there will always be a small few who are willing to risk their lives to change the status quo. It's an interesting tale and I especially loved the historical afterword.

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Incredible Novel

This novel was assigned to our incoming seniors as summer reading. I was a bit incredulous about the book. As I started reading I just couldn't put it down. The irony in this book is incredible. While some of the content may be disturbing it is relevent to the plot.

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