Book 20: A Handmaid's Tale

Title: A Handmaid's Tale


Author: Margaret Atwood

Genre: Modern Literature

Rating: 10/10

Synopsis: In the world of the near future, who will control women's bodies?

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 only valued if their ovaries are viable.

Offred can remember the days 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.... (care of Amazon.com)

I liked: A powerful fable that describes a near future in which the far-right ideals are twisted into a monotheistic state that resembles a corrupted version of the Old Testament -- or a sexist version of 1984. Women are forced into castes: the chaste, childless Wives; the housekeeping Marthas; and the reproductive Handmaids, who turn their offspring over to the "morally fit" Wives. As the Handmaid's tale unfolds, we see the chilling events that lead to this horrible "future." This book is an absolute must-read. It challenges sexism and intolerance through chilling storytelling.

I didn't like: I was not bothered, but people squeamish about sex may feel uncomfortable. If you can, push through it; it's worth it.

Here is a link to a study that can accompany this book.