Reviews

This was exactly what I thought it would be—dystopian and yet familiar. There are so many recognizable aspects of Gilead: the pitting of women against each other to their mutual detriment, the centering of the womb/childbirth within womanhood, making sexual pleasure a taboo, male suffering as a side effect of female suffering, etc. In order to prevent rape, rape becomes sanctioned. Choice is removed from the equation. Pleasure and desire are irrelevant. Duty takes precedent.

I’m left thinking about what grew out of this society in light of the book’s ending pivot. Is it much better? Could it be? What were society’s new solutions? What could our solutions be in our world? How do we consciously move away from Gilead and toward a more free, more healthy societal structure?

sebsie's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

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

3.5

skoochagian's review against another edition

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3.0

It took me a while to read, and I wanted to enjoy it more than I did. I think some parts lagged a little bit, but some parts were very interesting. Overall I enjoyed it but not sure I would read again

vict9907's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

3.0

lyssunger's review against another edition

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4.0

I'm not used to books that give little context and just expect you to keep up, so it took me a bit longer to get into. Original story, very well-written. Will read again.

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