My Book Review of The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intense and Disturbing

I’ve wanted to read this for a long time. To do so has been satisfying, though heartbreaking. It reminds me not only of human resilience but also of our cruelty.

The shadows of reality this dystopian America brings to light is disturbing. There’s truth in much of the behaviors, especially the false piousness of the righteous. It’s painful to see how easily people agree to lies for appearance if they think it gives them power.

The author’s style was interesting. At first, I was unsure how I felt with the text being more “telling” than “showing.” However, it fit the tale beautifully, bringing you into the mind of Offred (the handmaiden). It gave the story a level of disengagement that actually elevated the emotions intended for the character and environment. It was fascinating.

I am eager to continue the story. What now? I encourage you to read along with me!

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