Bookseller Reviews
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The Handmaid's Tale
It has taken me a long time to get round to reading this but I am so very glad I did.
I was completely engrossed very early on. I loved Atwood’s writing st... READ MORE
Quite Simply, A Really Great Read
It's actually quite difficult for me to write a review about this book, because I can't actually pinpoint exactly what I loved about it, I just know I did.... READ MORE
vivid but underwhelming
Underwhelming. The hype around "The Handmaid's Tale" is something that made me very intrigued to begin reading Atwood's famous novel. However, upon finishi... READ MORE
Groundbreaking
Written so well and an interesting concept. Loved the characters and how they change to survive in the moment. Atwood is drawing comparisons to today's soc... READ MORE
Worringly Prophetic, Gorgeously Written
Dystopia is my jam. And this is one of the best. I'm only ashamed it took me so long to become aware of it. Can't wait to get my hands on the sequel.
Cliff hanger
All the way through this book I was debating whether to get The Testaments when it is released, but the ending is so sudden and leaves you needing to know ... READ MORE
Synopsis
Featured on Between the Covers Big Jubilee Read
Utterly compelling and terrifyingly real, The Handmaid's Tale is a classic work of feminist fiction and a vivid dystopia that speaks afresh to every new generation of readers.
A chair, a table, a lamp. Above, on the white ceiling, a relief ornament in the shape of a wreath, and in the centre of it a blank space, plastered over, like the place in a face where the eye has been taken out. There must have been a chandelier, once. They’ve removed anything you could tie a rope to.
Offred lives in The Republic of Gilead. To some, it is a utopian vision of the future, a place of safety, a place where everyone has a purpose, a function. But The Republic of Gilead offers Offred only one function: to breed.
If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire - neither Offred's nor that of the two men on which her future hangs.
Brilliantly conceived and executed, The Handmaid's Tale is a bold evocation of twenty-first century America that gives full rein to Margaret Atwood's devastating irony, wit and astute perception.
- Publisher: Vintage Publishing
- ISBN: 9780099740919
- Number of pages: 320
- Weight: 227g
- Dimensions: 198 x 127 x 20 mm
Customer Reviews
View allThe Handmaid's Tale
Some of the finest prose ever written, with lines of thought you wish you could think, a very rare book where the narrator actually challanges you to keep ... READ MORE
A very powerful novel that I'm not going to forget!
After a shaky start to me reading this book, I found myself being utterly sucked into Offred's world. I know I seem to give a high rating for the books I ... READ MORE
Boring!
I had to read this book for AS English Literature and I finished it a month ago and I honestly disliked it.
It was such a drag to read, there was not many ... READ MORE
Glad I got asked to read this for English...
This was a novel I had no choice to read because I'm doing it for my A level English, and whilst discussing and reading it in class I literally found mysel... READ MORE
The Handmaid's Tale
Another dystopian view of the future, but beautifully written and haunting because so much is left unsaid. I keep remembering the sense of place it create... READ MORE
A Must Read
Such an amazing read. I felt as though I was there with the handmaiden telling the story. It’s quite gripping and it makes you think, will this someday be ... READ MORE
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
I was engrossed in this book right from the beginning
I just love this book!
I bought this book for friend.
I have had a copy for many years, but, initially, was unable to 'get on' with the book, so abandoned it, but kept the book... READ MORE
Captivating!
I read this novel whilst studying my English literature alevel & it was absolutely captivating and so well written. Loads of unexpected plot twists and a b... READ MORE
A forgettable story.
I found the storyline very confusing, it jumped backwards and forwards without you knowing where you were. As I also have trouble with religion in any form... READ MORE
More relevant and terrifying now than ever before
Shame on me for only now reading The Handmaid's Tale - thanks to Vintage for sending a reading copy pre-publication of The Testaments.
It is quite somethi... READ MORE
Timeless
I first read this at school and under a school environment didn’t recognise Atwood’s genius. Since then I’ve reread it multiple times and still awe at the ... READ MORE
A riveting tale, vividly told.
This the work of a superb writer on top of her form. She does not preach her views She shows the reader a world of twisted values, enforced with devastatin... READ MORE
A harrowing look into our future?
As probably the only person on the planet that hasn't watched the TV series, I was unaware of what to expect when I read The Handmaid's Tale. Having not re... READ MORE
Partial slay
Not a fan of this book too much although I know its cultural significance and impact is pretty strong. Some of the writing is lovely but dare I say it read... READ MORE
5/5
this book keeps you fixated right from the beginning until the very end. such a unique story, perfectly crafted and very well written. the cliffhanger only... READ MORE
Women are diminished to an unspeakable level
I did not read this book in school as I know some people did but I did know of it and I heard even more of it when the TV series came out. Eventually I got... READ MORE
Late To The Party?
Yes, until 10 days before release of The Testaments, I had not read The Handmaid's Tale.
Luckily I was gifted a copy, so thank you Vintage, and when I open... READ MORE
Not my favourite
As a fan of Atwood's earlier work and to critical acclaim, I was looking forward to The Handmaid's Tale. I am about halfway through this bleak dystopian st... READ MORE
Superb
Love love loved it. Highly recommend this too!
The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood
My 15 year old daughter wants to read this book and as I was unsure of the content I decided it was best if I read it first. I was engrossed from page one... READ MORE
Scarily possible
A vision of dystopia that seems all too possible. I took an awfully long time to get around to reading this book but I know that now that I have it will st... READ MORE
shocking
I'm still shocked after finishing it, very original and feminine
A dystopia which might become a reality
It was interesting to read this book before the political change in USA. I’m not an English native speaker, so I can’t say I identify myself with any of th... READ MORE
I found the setting to be dull as well as bleak
I know The Handmaid's Tale is considered a classic, but I just couldn't keep pushing on.
I got about half way through The Handmaid's Tale before deciding ... READ MORE
Highly recommend
I can honestly say that I’ve never written a book review before, but felt that this book was truly worthy of recognition.
I took it on holiday with me and... READ MORE
Do yourself a favour and buy this book!
I don’t think I can put into words how much I love this book. It is fantastic.
Atwood writes with such shocking wit. You will feel outrage for the protagon... READ MORE
Brilliant
The plot is hard to enjoy. But the writing, characters and the mystery at the end makes it worth it. Really good book. Highly recommend.
ohmygod
had to read this for a level and honestly I'm so grateful,, such an interesting read that is also so scary at the same time. Loved it and the writing is h... READ MORE
Amazing book.
This book is very good and so relevant, especially in todays time. The writing is very easy to follow. I personally would say it is a must read, and am ver... READ MORE
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