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Original poster

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Come and discuss this modern classic on Feb 23rd.

32 replies

mmack · 01/02/2015 13:10

I know that a lot of the regular posters here in Adult Fiction really love this book. I've been meaning to read it for years and it's probably the modern classic that I'm most excited about. Is anyone else going to read it for the first time this month?

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Southeastdweller · 01/02/2015 17:34

Signing in! Have a library copy and starting it in a couple of weeks. Never read any of her stuff before.

fredfredsausagehead1 · 02/02/2015 11:23

Oh brilliant! I did this for A level and just picked up a copy in charity shopGrin

SkaterGrrrrl · 04/02/2015 10:26

Have read it but would love to join the chat.

YonicScrewdriver · 04/02/2015 10:26

Marking place as reread it recently.

PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom · 04/02/2015 11:00

Ooh, yes yes. I love this book. I went all fangirl when I saw Margaret Atwood speak last year.

MollyMaDurga · 04/02/2015 15:58

Read it last year and was very impressed. . It stayed with me for ages so I'm making spot now.

LurcioAgain · 06/02/2015 11:08

funny - was thinking about this only the other day, and thinking how much I'd got out of a re-read - it's such a rich book. I'm definitely interested in another read and a chance to talk to other people about it.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 06/02/2015 17:02

I like it. Have been meaning to re-read it actually, but have fallen out with Atwood a bit in recent years.

gymboywalton · 06/02/2015 17:45

This is one of my all time favourite books ever ever ever. It's fabulous and terrifying and eloquent.
I am rereading it again at the moment fir about the hundredth time.

I'd like to discuss it!

BrilliantineMortality · 06/02/2015 18:23

I studied The Handmaid's Tale many years ago for A Level. I remember reading ahead than what was required for each lesson as I was so gripped by it. Still got my annotated copy on my shelf.

I've got so many other books to read, so not sure if I'll manage a re-read, but looking forward to hearing what others think.

BestIsWest · 06/02/2015 22:49

Read it last year. Mixed feelings so will be interested in others views.

Hamiltoes · 07/02/2015 23:27

I've just downloaded to start reading. I remember my english teacher in high school recommending it after I did my standard grade essay on "The Other Boelyn Girl" ha ha ha! Grin

Never got round to it, she was an excellent teacher though so going to make a nice cuppa and settle down in bed with it tonight.

topmammy · 10/02/2015 00:24

I studied this book at A Level and was just talking about it with my DH recently funnily enough. Don't have time for a re-read but marking my place for what will be am interesting discussion!

Original poster
mmack · 18/02/2015 14:57

I'm just bumping the thread. I have read about 90 pages so and it's very, very good. It almost reads like a mystery. I can't wait to find out how she got from her previous life with Luke to where she is now.

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Original poster
mmack · 23/02/2015 12:03

This was a fantastic book. The only problem might be that there is just so much in it to discuss. I wish I had studied it at school.

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Original poster
mmack · 23/02/2015 21:21

There is so much in this book that I don't know where to start. I suppose the most striking thing about it is that it was written 30 years ago as speculative fiction but she was right about the rise of religious societies where veiled women are not valued or educated.

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littlejessie · 23/02/2015 21:24

Another one booking a space.

I finished this book about 3 weeks ago and really enjoyed it.

Original poster
mmack · 23/02/2015 21:45

I thought the Commander represented all that was bad about Gilead. He had all the power. He had a wife, handmaid and two Marthas but it still wasn't enough. He still needed Offred to look up to him and like him. And then he put her in danger by taking her out at night. And something similar had happened with the previous handmaid. He was a total moral coward.

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BreacaBoudica · 23/02/2015 21:52

I love the flashbacks that explain how it all happened... so menacing, esp about the bank accounts. Makes me think of Afghanistan and what it was like pre and post revolution for women...

littlejessie · 23/02/2015 21:53

But he was also portrayed as weak and a bit pathetic- not revelling in power but undermining the authority of the state in terms of his pursuit of the things that evoked nostalgia in him (which culminated in the visit to the seedy nightclub but which started with board games).

To me, the most frightening thing about the book was the power and influence of the state, the invisible arbiters and the compliance of the people, including those the new system was subjugation.

littlejessie · 23/02/2015 21:54

*subjugation, rather.

littlejessie · 23/02/2015 21:55

SubjugatING! Bloody autocorrect.

Original poster
mmack · 23/02/2015 22:02

I agree about the bank accounts. We never really see cash any more. If a group could get control of a bank's computer we would be in chaos in a few hours.

We see the Commander through Offred's eyes and he makes things a bit less boring for her so she has mixed feelings about him. But they both know that if Serena Joy finds out there won't be any consequences for him. He is totally abusing his power.

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YonicScrewdriver · 23/02/2015 22:32

Yes, I agree re power abuse

Original poster
mmack · 23/02/2015 22:53

Did you like the Historical Notes? I'm glad we found out that Nick helped her. I would have loved to have a map of Gilead. They talk about fighting the Baptists and Texas is a republic so obviously the South wasn't part of it.

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