Reviews

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

kaitvanderlaan's review against another edition

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4.0

The Testaments is the sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale and takes place 15 years later. It is told from alternating perspectives of Aunt Lydia, a woman who is in charge of the handmaids, a girl growing up in Gilead, and a girl growing up in Canada. This book provided an interesting insight to a character who is pretty hated in Handmaid’s tale, and also the view of the teenage girls growing up with Gilead. I really liked the way this part of the story was told, though I felt the ending was a little rushed and was wrapped up in such a perfect bow that it didn’t feel authentic. That being said I really enjoyed this book and if you enjoy the book or TV series The Handmaid’s Tale you will likely enjoy this book.

bobisimo's review against another edition

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4.0

The first thing I thought as I neared the end of this book is a comment I saw before I started reading that asked "Is this book necessary" before answering "no." Now that I've finished, I can't argue that the Testaments is "necessary" but I would say that I don't think necessity matters when the story, the setting, and the characters are enjoyable -- even if it's only expanding on what's already been told. I'll talk more on that in a moment.

But there's two other comments I want to make first.

One, Aunt Lydia is a major character in this book -- one of three main characters (I don't want to mention the other two characters, even if it becomes obvious, because it does spoil things). As someone who loves the show, and especially Ann Dowd, this makes me incredibly happy (and even a little eager for the TV version of this book). Aunt Lydia's sections in the book give us a lot of insight, into her and the world of Gilead, and her strategic, survivalist mind, and I'm glad I don't have to live in a world that has nothing of Aunt Lydia from the Testaments.

And that brings me to my second thought: that while the Testaments may not be necessary, the TV show the Handmaid's Tale exists, and it comforts me to know that Atwood's two books create a foundation for that "cinematic universe." Instead of waiting to see how the show would resolve the story, we get it straight from the creator. Maybe some Game of Thrones fans out there get this point.

As for the Testaments, as I said I don't want to spoil things, but I will repeat what Atwood said in publicizing the book, that it covers the "beginning of the end" of Gilead.

Unlike the Handmaid's Tale, which largely, and to great effect, follows one story for one character in one location, the Testaments explores from the point of view of the aforementioned three characters, a wider range of territory (creating more context)-- Gilead and Canada predominantly, but also hints at story lines in the "Republic of Texas" and other areas -- and a more broad view of Gilead's actions and place in history. In that way, as someone who had a lot of questions about the world of Gilead, I found it satisfying to get some resolution to those questions.

And that kind of takes things back to the start: is it necessary? A book that inspires a lot of questions can be very interesting because it lets you explore the possibilities, especially one like the Handmaid's Tale where the story was so jolting, the ideas both new/exciting and ancient/horrifying, that the questions raised were more pronounced and intense.

Often, getting answers to those questions can take the shine off things, but here, while I'd definitely not call this book as exciting and eye-opening, or even as literary (i.e., this is more of a companion piece and I don't think it could stand on its own), as the Handmaid's Tale, I will stick with my comment that it's a satisfying and enjoyable read. Maybe there are too many caveats to make this a book for everyone, but as someone who fits the target audience, I can only say that I really enjoyed it.

nicoleroche's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

honeyville's review against another edition

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4.0

I actually enjoyed this more than the first Handmaid's tale, which is not surprising, the first book is so dark and had such horrific content that this book was a much easier read. While this story adds to the original, it is much lighter and more about personalities than the first book.

Spoiler - I did find the fact that two main characters turned out to be sisters a bit too convenient and felt like lazy writing, overall I enjoyed it.

planet_dar's review against another edition

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3.0

I was very nervous about this book but it turns out I couldn’t put it down.

I would also like to add that it is Margaret Atwood light. It doesn't stand up to the complexity of her other work and for that is somewhat disappointing. However, I was sucked in and had to finish it so I'm not going to complain too much. Mag's is old.

thatcalliecat's review against another edition

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5.0

Not the most pleasant but very important to read

jamkinn's review against another edition

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5.0

So hard to put down!! Loved the way these three narratives were woven together and was very impressed how this book built off the first. Can’t really think of any critiques tbh. If you’re a fan of the show I highly recommend, even if you didn’t love the first book.

Some of the reviews really ding Atwood for the more action driven narrative in comparison to The Handmaid’s Tale, and accuse her of “cashing in” to mainstream The Testaments to be more like the TV show. This is true, but I think this is also what gives the novel its strength. The world needs more hope, and these strong, female characters are exactly who I needed to read about right now. Also, I think it rounds out Aunt Lydia’s character- her actions make much more sense to me in this context vs. the tv show and the first novel. People are not black and white and it was nice to see behind the monster that she is still struggling for survival as a human being in her own way.

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jimtwombly's review against another edition

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4.0

A bit tricky following the various testaments at first until they times synch up. It was a good sequel, but certain bits about the ending left me scratching my head: "Wait, what? How'd that come about?" In spite of that I would heartily recommend it.

laura_flaherty's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

scottlukaswilliams's review against another edition

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4.0

I’m not certain we needed a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale. The original novel suggests an outcome to the Gilead situation. The Testaments provides all the details and connects all the dots that readers have imagined and filled in over the last 30 years.

That said, it is still an entertaining read.