Scan barcode
inetasved's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mariapds's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kallmekirby's review against another edition
5.0
Really loved this book. Enjoyed it way more after yesterday when Biden won & I could stop worrying this would by my reality bc of Trump and his packed Supreme Court.
johannalux's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
laura_corsi's review against another edition
3.0
Margaret Atwood’s A Handmaid’s Tale was amazing, surprising, horrifying and at times seemingly prophetic. However, I’m not sure if I can be said to like it. It was so awful so harrowing so devoid of any moments of hope...that the experience of reading it was not enjoyable but it certainly was a marvelous work of fiction. (Thank goodness it is still fiction!) “Praise be,” as they say in Gilead. I honestly wonder if this is in some way how it must be to live in North Korea right now with the demands for extreme performance of patriotism and the absolute loss of hope or humanity.
I highly recommend this book, but be warned it will not be an enjoyable read. I have very complicated feelings about this book.
I highly recommend this book, but be warned it will not be an enjoyable read. I have very complicated feelings about this book.
lina_petrina's review against another edition
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mayavelazquez13's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
spongefoot's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
mirandababbitt's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to the audiobook version, read by Claire Danes. This version doesn't just tell a story—it insidiously crawls under your skin, leaving you in a state of discomfort and trepidation. There were times when I almost didn't want to click play, but I couldn't help myself from it either.
As someone who slept on this book for too long, this review is not just an endorsement. It's an urgent recommendation. This is a must-listen, not for its inherent discomfort, but for its all-too-tangible relevance in today's socio-political climate.
In her role as narrator, Danes is a true virtuoso. Her performance is outstanding. Without resorting to flamboyant character impersonations that could border on the irritating, she somehow infuses each character with a unique and distinct voice. There is an art to her subtle shifts in tone that capture the tension and the underlying emotions, rendering the characters and their plights strikingly real. I rarely think an audiobook actually elevates a reading experience, but I will forever be partial to any books read by Danes.
Now, onto the story.
The narrative presents an emotionally desolate world, where the hunger for love, connection, any drop of it, is pervasive. Each chapter, each line, is tinged with an unquenched yearning. It's this deep-seated absence that paradoxically makes the presence of love even more profoundly missed and desired.
The book made me question: Can those who want strict control over women genuinely understand love? Love involves supporting a person's own path to freedom, understanding, and respect. Trying to control someone contradicts these ideals. Control isn't a form of love; it's a display of deep disrespect, even hatred.
Roe v. Wade was already overturned by the time I read this book. In fact, that's what prompted me to pick this one up, finally, as everyone heralded Atwood as some sort of prophet.
Well, prophet or not, I'm horrified. This novel is, accurately, a chillingly stark reminder of the slippery slope from rights to control. It can happen overnight. It is happening already.
I rate this 5 out of 5 stars. Listen to it, and prepare to be profoundly affected.
As someone who slept on this book for too long, this review is not just an endorsement. It's an urgent recommendation. This is a must-listen, not for its inherent discomfort, but for its all-too-tangible relevance in today's socio-political climate.
In her role as narrator, Danes is a true virtuoso. Her performance is outstanding. Without resorting to flamboyant character impersonations that could border on the irritating, she somehow infuses each character with a unique and distinct voice. There is an art to her subtle shifts in tone that capture the tension and the underlying emotions, rendering the characters and their plights strikingly real. I rarely think an audiobook actually elevates a reading experience, but I will forever be partial to any books read by Danes.
Now, onto the story.
The narrative presents an emotionally desolate world, where the hunger for love, connection, any drop of it, is pervasive. Each chapter, each line, is tinged with an unquenched yearning. It's this deep-seated absence that paradoxically makes the presence of love even more profoundly missed and desired.
The book made me question: Can those who want strict control over women genuinely understand love? Love involves supporting a person's own path to freedom, understanding, and respect. Trying to control someone contradicts these ideals. Control isn't a form of love; it's a display of deep disrespect, even hatred.
Roe v. Wade was already overturned by the time I read this book. In fact, that's what prompted me to pick this one up, finally, as everyone heralded Atwood as some sort of prophet.
Well, prophet or not, I'm horrified. This novel is, accurately, a chillingly stark reminder of the slippery slope from rights to control. It can happen overnight. It is happening already.
I rate this 5 out of 5 stars. Listen to it, and prepare to be profoundly affected.