LoveReading Says
July 2013 Guest Editor Cath Staincliffe on The Handmaid's Tale...
A story about a terrifying dystopian world, ruled by a military and religious dictatorship which is homophobic, racist and misogynistic. Where infertility is rife, the handmaid’s role is to bear children for the ruling class. This chilling book imagines what a backlash to feminism might lead to and though it is horrifying there is also humanity, wit and humour in the writing.
One of Hardeep Singh Kohli's favourite books.
September 2010 Guest Editor Belle de Jour on Margaret Atwood...
Atwood’s books hugely influenced my reading style (though probably not my writing style!). I love the way she weaves research so seamlessly into her stories. In the hands of a lesser writer, some of her books might be mere dystopian sci-fi, but she makes the characters as real as documentary. The Handmaid’s Tale, in particular, influenced a lot how I think about politics, religion, and feminism.
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The Handmaid's Tale Synopsis
A beautiful hardback edition of Atwood's classic dystopian novel.
'As relevant today as it was when Atwood wrote it' Guardian
Offred is a Handmaid in The Republic of Gilead, a religious totalitarian state in what was formerly known as the United States.
She is placed in the household of The Commander, Fred Waterford - her assigned name, Offred, means 'of Fred'. She has only one function: to breed.
If Offred refuses to enter into sexual servitude to repopulate a devastated world, she will be hanged.
Yet even a repressive state cannot eradicate hope and desire. As she recalls her pre-revolution life in flashbacks, Offred must navigate through the terrifying landscape of torture and persecution in the present day, and between two men upon which her future hangs.
Masterfully conceived and executed, this haunting vision of the future places Margaret Atwood at the forefront of dystopian fiction.
'Fiercely political, yet witting and wise...this novel seems ever more vital in the present day' Observer
Vintage Quarterbound Classics: Bound to be beautiful
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