Barnes & NobleThe Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Fascinating

3.5 stars (3/10 hearts). I read this deliberately after seeing it mentioned everywhere as "where America is headed to." (As a Canadian, our country is very much affected by America's choices, and I find it interesting that this story about dystopian America is written by a fellow Canadian.) This edition opens with an introduction by Margaret Atwood, who clarifies what this book is and isn't about—something I appreciated very much. The first 70% of this story really drew me in. I found so much to think about, so many threads to consider. Atwood's writing is intellectual, making it easy reading if you want an easy read, yet giving you a lot to study if you want to go deeper. This reads like a modern read written by someone who was steeped in the classics (and I may have learned a few new words), which I loved! I was fascinated by several different elements—the persecution of Baptists and Catholics, usually considered opposites instead of being grouped together; the executions of abortionists and Jews; the twisted focus on specific portions of the Bible (some portions of which are simple history, and not actually "do this"), and how "the Bible is kept locked up, the way people once kept tea locked up, so the servants wouldn’t steal it" because "it is an incendiary device: who knows what we’d make of it, if we ever got our hands on it?" It's a chilling picture of what happens when people grab some parts of the Bible, ignore others, and build a whole society forcing it on each other, while letting the wickedness of the heart full reign at the same time. Up to then, I appreciated the story. It was hard—it was heavy—it was sad and intense and a little shocking—but I honestly couldn't put it down. Then the last 30% happened, and I felt increasingly uncomfortable and even dirty. I couldn't see the point, given the themes. It felt like Atwood realized she had to get Offred out of there and just started a chain of events (side note: it took me an embarrassingly long time to realize it was OfFred, OfWarren, etc. I thought it was Off Red and Of Warren as in a rabbit warren... I didn't see light until Ofcharles showed up). Anyways, I couldn't understand why after all the book long highlighting the dangers and stuff Offred suddenly bucked everything and endangered herself with no real motivation/explanation? It seemed at odds with the whole build up of how controlled and dangerous things were...? And, frankly, it felt gratuitous. It bothered me so much it dropped my review by a star. I did appreciate knowing she was okay in the end, though. And the last sentence of the book is brilliant. Pure genius. So... will I reread this? Probably not. I think once was enough. Do I recommend it? To some folks, up till about the 70% mark. Am I glad I read this? Yes. And is it what everyone says it is? No. I think the TV show might be to blame for that, but I haven't watched it, so that's merely a theory. Content: I didn't keep a list; but basically, a lot of talk of s*x and s*xual matters; 2 scenes where the MC is having s*x. It's not not graphic, but lightly detailed at times. Lots of vulgar language. The last 30% contained most of both of these things. Physical violence; twisted "Biblical" teachings. Recommended age: 21+ A Favourite Quote: Sometimes I sing to myself, in my head; something lugubrious, mournful, presbyterian: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound Could save a wretch like me, Who once was lost, but now am found, Was bound, but now am free. I don't know if the words are right. I can't remember. Such songs are not sung any more in public, especially the ones that use words like free. They are considered too dangerous. They belong to outlawed sects.