The Handmaiden's Tale

by Brian Rushton

Being the new kid in town isn’t easy, but for 15-year-old Justin Spencer- it's downright murder. Justin, and his mother Beth, are struggling to adjust to their new lives in Maine, after leaving Pennsylvania and the abusive man that Beth loved behind. It doesn't take long before Justin makes a new friend in sixteen-year-old, Natalie Boyer- who seems like the typical girl next door. Thanks to Natalie, Justin is adjusting nicely to life in Maine- better than he had hoped. But when, Natalie goes missing- Justin finds himself the prime suspect in her disappearance. Justin can’t seem to shake the whispers in and around school, about whether he had something to do with Natalie's disappearance, but when the cops show up at his door-it gets serious. Justin decides that the only way to prove his innocence, is to find out what happened to Natalie, but his journey will take him down a dangerous path of discover, and one which he will have to walk alone, if he is to uncover the truth, and remove the cloud of doubt above his head.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Dystopia

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2017

Reviews

[Shelly Demott · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to listen to the audio book while driving. It made me want to drive off a bridge. I had to stop and cannot imagine ever picking this book up again.

[George Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Handmaid’s Tale explores a near future world where birth rates are plummeting, The Handmaid’s Tale explores a near future world where birth rates are plummeting, and the American government, and society as a whole has been taken over by religious fanatics. In this world, women are subservient to men in a surveillance state. We follow a small snapshot of this dire future through the eyes of Offred, a handmaiden responsible for giving birth.

More than other books I have read, Handmaiden's tale gives a much clearer picture of how our current world can regress itself into one that dehumanizes its members. Sometimes it is hard to imagine that progress is not a straightforward path, with every new day getting us to closer to true equality. Rather as the book shows us, we can easily be oppressed, even in the same generation. Offred and others have memories of America in a time before, yet despite them it feels like the dystopia depicted is a everlooming, and constant principle of their lives.

Unlike Brave New World and Watchmen however, there is a clear resistance element in the novel. Although it remains pretty bleak, unlike the fictitious worlds of my previous two reads, people understand that their current predicament is not one that is "good", and a fight underground is occurring to change the status quo. This in turn injects a small bit of hope in the story, making it clear that people will not stand idily by as the world changes around them. The ending appears to portray as a endeavor that pays off, although one in the very far future perhaps.

The Handmaidens Tale is certainty a dense read, but with clear believable worldbuilding, a character that we can clearly relate and stand by, this makes it the most enjoyable read of my choice reads so far, I would gladly recommend it for those looking for a realistic portrayal of what future dystopia can be like.

[Tom Garland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Thought provoking.

[Amelie · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.8
Kinda wish I owned a physical copy of the book so I can tab the moments in the book that expressed great ideas and were great conversation starters

Overall, when I was reading it it kept me hooked. But once I stopped I needed to convince myself to start reading it again (idk why but that's my take).

[Ik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely 5 stars for the actual story. For me, it lost one star because of the final chapter, where people in the future are discussing the story we just read. This final chapter is dry, doesn't add anything and diminishes the story. It would've been nice to end with the final line of the actual story, which is a great close.

[Sheron Lavery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read this book decades ago and wanted to revisit. It remains a classic of what it could be like to live in a society ruled by a few males who are the elitist with all the power, rights and authority. Women are subjugated and their roles are defined by how they may serve the males in power.

[barbara stanisz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very provocative story that is particularly relevant know in light of the me too movement. I read this 4-5 years ago and re-read it for my book club and it is surprising how relevant it still is. A must read for all women.

[Rachel Losier-Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book. I'd like to see a sequel.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and terrifying

[Jesse Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish we had read this in HS instead of Anthem or Fahrenheit 451. This book is far more witty and poignant.

[Fenixbird SandS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tale was a Jeopardy final question..came out in '85 but was reminiscent in theme of Choisser?!

[Keith Helldog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read. Personally, I’m not too much into dystopian fiction, but Ms. Atwood keeps it real with her timeless projection. Imagine a world where all the cross-eyed Mormons, catholelicks, and trumptards actually follow through with their treason. Womankind (and mankind) would be doomed. I’m surprised this book has not been banned in Utah as it’s such a poignant and terrific read

[The Garden Swing Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was interesting, the storyline and plot excellent. But it just was lacking something... I don't know what. It felt very much like reading a survivor story from Auschwitz. That's all I have to say...

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an okay read. I had a hard time getting into the book.

[Pamela Harner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow moving book about a society in the US where women are used as only child bearers. Beyond that they are sent to clean up nuclear waste. Most things were kept secret.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's well written and exciting. The subject material is uncomfortable to read, probably because of how probable it is

[Kris Laabs Malmberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still waiting the series on Hulu. Starting season 3.

[Teah]

Different than TV show but good

[Toey Ratanatharathorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like plot but don't like the narrator hahaha

[natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"By telling you anything at all I'm at least believing in you, I believe you're there, I believe you into being. Because I'm telling you this story I will your existence. I tell, therefore you are."

[Eva Corssmit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geschreven in een soort ‘spreektaal’. Als een dagboek. Leest erg kinderlijk. Hoewel het verhaal ziek stressvol en beangstigend is. Mixed feelings.

[Anna G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

id say 3.5 ...it was interesting and different...would have liked more explanation...though to some degree the lack is kind of fun in its own way...makes it more realistic as a historical thingy...

[Denise McGill]

Fascinating and futuristic, but given events today, not really out of the realm of possibility. The religious right has grown so outrageously bold and unfeeling toward women that this could very well be our future and the future of the world.

[Ann]

Read this all in one night. Disturbing considering what is happening in our world right now and to our country.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

stark.

[Rita Dewitt]

I didn't like it. That's not to say it wasn't a good book, just not to my taste