Author: Margaret Atwood

Publisher: Ecco | April 17, 1985

Description: The Handmaid’s Tale is a novel of such power that the reader will be unable to forget its images and its forecast. Set in the near future, it describes life in what was once the United States and is now called the Republic of Gilead, a monotheocracy that has reacted to social unrest and a sharply declining birthrate by reverting to, and going beyond, the repressive intolerance of the original Puritans. The regime takes the Book of Genesis absolutely at its word, with bizarre consequences for the women and men in its population.

The story is told through the eyes of Offred, one of the unfortunate Handmaids under the new social order. In condensed but eloquent prose, by turns cool-eyed, tender, despairing, passionate, and wry, she reveals to us the dark corners behind the establishment’s calm facade, as certain tendencies now in existence are carried to their logical conclusions. The Handmaid’s Tale is funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing. It is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and a tour de force. It is Margaret Atwood at her best.

Isa's Pick: The Handmaid’s Tale is a book that I believe everyone should read at least once in their lives. It’s also a banned book. I thoroughly enjoyed how the book was written, as it offers profound insights into the origins of totalitarianism. The book draws chilling parallels to current events in the real world. I highly recommend reading the “Historical Notes” included within the book, as they provide further depth and understanding of the world.