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A review by sarasreading
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
This book is a classic for a reason, and I was pretty blown away by it. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. I have a harder time with physical books, but I kept saying, "one more chapter" with this for like 40% of the book, until it was after 2am and I absolutely had to put it down.
It's disturbing and harrowing. You feel as helpless and trapped as the main character, and I found myself wondering what I would do in the same position often while reading. Part of me is more curious to watch the show now, but I also know the show goes even harder than the book and I may not be able to stomach it. Reading it right after the election was also an experience, as religious extremists gain a bigger and bigger foothold in our government.
It's disturbing and harrowing. You feel as helpless and trapped as the main character, and I found myself wondering what I would do in the same position often while reading. Part of me is more curious to watch the show now, but I also know the show goes even harder than the book and I may not be able to stomach it. Reading it right after the election was also an experience, as religious extremists gain a bigger and bigger foothold in our government.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Kidnapping, and Classism
Moderate: Infertility and Police brutality