Reviews

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

leacallida's review against another edition

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Juste un chef d’œuvre. Écrit de manière particulière avec une narratrice pleine de défauts et pourtant si compréhensible. Un roman nécessaire et qui fait froid dans le dos. 

younisseff's review against another edition

dark inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

lisagriffioen's review against another edition

5.0

What a fucked up story!! I loved the writing style! But that cliffhanger

yikesnation's review against another edition

dark reflective slow-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

The ending kind of threw a wrench in how I felt about the story of this novel. In terms of the narrative, it is really interesting following someone who has experienced society outside of the structure of Gilead, especially with her life right before. I was impacted most by the discussions of men and power within the book, particularly with Luke. The writing itself was incredibly eloquent, both engaging and revelatory of the first person diary storytelling. Overall, a striking (maybe even jarring) novel about the evolution of a totalitarian government (without really talking about the most powerful positions) and the oppression of women within this structure through the lens of a woman whose role is to be a womb with two legs. Deservedly a classic, more literary than I expected (I have to stop going into books thinking they’re going to be such a stark dystopia like Divergent).

jennyluwho's review against another edition

3.0

Weirdest sex scene I've ever read. All around decent dystopian fiction.

deluciate's review against another edition

5.0

I wish I could give this book about four and a half stars. I read it now because I saw the trailer for the screen version coming out soon, and realized I'd never read the book. I thought the premise was intriguing, though dark. I really appreciate the narrative style, and the vivid descriptions the narrator provides about her world. *Not-really-a-spoiler-alert -- I am about to talk about how the ending made me feel--* I liked the ending a lot. I felt it was satisfying without being either too optimistic or too depressing.

Would recommend, with the caveat that this book may not be for everyone. It is indeed very dystopian and includes some disturbing scenes. I think what I liked the most is how it made me think about my own place in our real world, which is what good fiction is for, isn't it?

ninasbooks57's review against another edition

5.0

Awesomely scary! Can I see this actually happening- I dare not say!! Cliffhanger!

saraalk's review against another edition

4.0

Definitely the best dystopian novel I’ve ever read. But you are definitely left wanting more from the characters and the world building. There is about a chapter describing the cultural shift but wish there was more to it. But still a great book.

abigaillee1313's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

lesboung's review against another edition

reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0