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The Handmaid's Tale

48 replies

IBelieveTheEarthIsFlat · 27/08/2016 14:43

Have seen it mentioned quite a bit on the Feminist threads. Anyone read and would you recommend? I don't tend to read much fiction so only really want to tackle it if it's unputdownable. Ta

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CMOTDibbler · 27/08/2016 14:47

I'd recommend it, but it's hard to know if I'd describe it as unputdownable though. Disturbing, thought provoking - absolutely.

Needanewhome · 27/08/2016 14:48

Brilliant

FlamingoFling · 27/08/2016 14:51

Great book - agree not necessarily "unputdownable" but there is certainly tension and a sense of suspense. It's very thought provoking.

RalphSteadmansEye · 27/08/2016 14:53

Yes, absolutely! It's a gripping story but also fascinating in its themes: religion, gender politics, language and power, class...

Do give it a go.

IfTheCapFitsWearIt · 27/08/2016 14:54

I've only seen a tv/film thing many years ago. I would recommend it on that.
In fact I might read the book myself now. I was probably late teens early 20s when i saw it. I probably missed loads of things that will stand out like a saw thumb to me now.

Becles · 27/08/2016 15:12

It's an amazing book

TrionicLettuce · 27/08/2016 15:16

It's one of my favourite books, I love it and did find it impossible to put down the first time I read it. I still re-read it (and listen to the audiobook) on a regular basis.

Definitely give it a try!!

willconcern · 27/08/2016 15:16

It haunts me.

IBelieveTheEarthIsFlat · 27/08/2016 15:29

Oh thank you. Will order it now

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FixItUpChappie · 27/08/2016 15:32

One of my favourite books of all time Cake

OurBlanche · 27/08/2016 15:44

Oooh! I wonder why I have never read it?

I have quite a few Atwood's and love them all. I like messing with my sense of time/reality by reading one Atwood followed by and Amy Tan.

Mmm! I can feel a book purchase or two coming on.

Madbengalmum · 27/08/2016 15:46

Aaah yes, i remember reading it a long time ago at ALevel and really being creeped out by it. Great book.

RalphSteadmansEye · 27/08/2016 17:13

You won't believe just how prescient Atwood was when she wrote it. Scary stuff.

2legit2knit · 27/08/2016 17:14

It was 'unputdownable' for me. I loved it.

sycamore54321 · 27/08/2016 17:17

If you like audiobooks, there is a version narrated by Clare Danes who is an excellent reader. I highly recommend it. Like others, not unputdownable but a good thought-provoking piece of literature, all the more remarkable when you consider how old it now is and how relevant the themes still are.

Ohlalala · 27/08/2016 17:52

I personally don't think it isn't one of Atwood's best books but it looks like everyone would disagree with me! (Still think it is good but some of her other books are even better)

Ohlalala · 27/08/2016 17:52
  • don't think it is
IBelieveTheEarthIsFlat · 27/08/2016 19:08

Audiobooks is a fantastic idea thanks

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FixItUpChappie · 27/08/2016 22:23

if you love it and become a fan of Atwood - don't miss out on Alias Grace which is also phenomenal IMO

elephantoverthehill · 27/08/2016 23:45

An excellent book well worth reading. It's not unputdownable but more I have to stop reading to think about that.

Sadik · 28/08/2016 11:03

Brilliant book - I don't actually like much else of Atwood's stuff though, other than The Edible Woman.

MsAmerica · 29/08/2016 00:53

One of my half-dozen favorite books!

Alisvolatpropiis · 29/08/2016 00:55

It is fantastic, very thought provoking. Still read my annotated copy from my A level days, almost a decade on.

EBearhug · 29/08/2016 00:56

You won't believe just how prescient Atwood was when she wrote it. Scary stuff.

Hasn't she said there's nothing in it which hasn't happened somewhere in the world at some point?

motherducker · 29/08/2016 00:56

My favourite.

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