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letstalkbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shimmery's review against another edition
4.0
It’s difficult to appreciate the power of this book reading it only now that it is referenced often and has become a TV series and cultural reference point. But it is a powerful story, the cruelties and distorted society only too easily imaginable; all the secrecy and lies. I look forward to reading The Testaments.
alexiskred's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
tillymellor's review against another edition
challenging
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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
halthemonarch's review against another edition
5.0
I never wrote a review? So weird, I thought I had.
Third read for book club points; Every bit as poignant as it ever was. Atwood has a knack for voice in her writing-- You really feel the protagonist's desperation and terrifying idleness that isn't quite boredom, latching on to each thought, every word, and examining it to the studs.
Very true to season one of the show, I think.
Third read for book club points; Every bit as poignant as it ever was. Atwood has a knack for voice in her writing-- You really feel the protagonist's desperation and terrifying idleness that isn't quite boredom, latching on to each thought, every word, and examining it to the studs.
Very true to season one of the show, I think.
jt_perrim's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Beautiful prose, scathing critiques, and imaginative world-building. What's not to like?
hilikus_00's review against another edition
4.0
I'm new to Margaret Atwood and definitely not disappointed.
This story screamed feminist dystopia to me. Like 1984 for feminists. I have to say though, that I really didn't find this book too far from reality. Women's bodies in OUR present realities are seen as just reproductive vessels. It isn't as explicit and overt as Gilead but the messages that we all get from society push us to follow a path in life that leads to having children. The patriarchy that we see in Gilead is alive and well in our present realities. An important nuance that maybe I'm silly for not realizing sooner (and am sharing with hesitation so as to avoid showcasing my obliviousness) in the book was the women's names. They are all 'Of(insert man's name)'. Offred, Ofglen etc. I thought that was brilliant.
I really liked Atwood's writing style - like a fictionalized memoir. It's written kind of stream-of-consciousness style which I enjoyed. I thought it gave me more insight into Offred's thought patterns and her inclination to flashback to memories of her life pre-Gilead. I liked the nuances in Offred's character. She was not perfect. Moira was my favourite character; brash and radical, like me.
This story screamed feminist dystopia to me. Like 1984 for feminists. I have to say though, that I really didn't find this book too far from reality. Women's bodies in OUR present realities are seen as just reproductive vessels. It isn't as explicit and overt as Gilead but the messages that we all get from society push us to follow a path in life that leads to having children. The patriarchy that we see in Gilead is alive and well in our present realities. An important nuance that maybe I'm silly for not realizing sooner (and am sharing with hesitation so as to avoid showcasing my obliviousness) in the book was the women's names. They are all 'Of(insert man's name)'. Offred, Ofglen etc. I thought that was brilliant.
I really liked Atwood's writing style - like a fictionalized memoir. It's written kind of stream-of-consciousness style which I enjoyed. I thought it gave me more insight into Offred's thought patterns and her inclination to flashback to memories of her life pre-Gilead. I liked the nuances in Offred's character. She was not perfect. Moira was my favourite character; brash and radical, like me.
wondernikel's review against another edition
1.0
Another novel, in which I don't understand the hype!? The writing was so slow and repetitive. The actual bones to the story are great, but I felt like nothing was happening to keep me intrigued! They must have added quite a bit for the show because I really don't get it!
mreinstadtler's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0