From the Bookshelf of Between the Lines…

The Handmaid’s Tale (The Handmaid's Tale, #1)

Margaret Atwood

Start date: May 1, 2010

Finish date: May 31, 2010

Discussion: Themed Reading

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Showing 2 of 5 topics — 224 comments total

Themed Reading

* Suggestions for Monthly Themes
By Beth · 19 posts · 573 views

last updated Aug 25, 2011 03:05AM

*Spoilers possible* The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas - Reading as an adult - interpretations
By Ellie · 2 posts · 66 views

last updated Jul 06, 2012 09:50AM

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What Members Thought

Dec 18, 2008 Wendy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 4000-books, jan-17

What a great read! I now will have to read more of Margaret Atwood's novels.
I enjoyed this novel even more the second time I read it. ...more

55 likes · Like · see review

Jul 21, 2008 Diane Chamberlain rated it it was amazing

A scary, scary book, one that should give every American voter pause!

29 likes · Like · see review

Sep 07, 2008 Kellie rated it it was ok

Shelves: 2005-reads

Can’t tell you how glad I am to finish this book. It was so boring. The story was of a handmaid that lived with a Commander and his wife and various servant like people. This was during “Gilead” The US after a nuclear war where woman became 2nd class. The book was told in first person but that was confusing. The book would tell about something that happened and then she would say “It didn’t happen like that”. This is truly a very sad story. There is not one shimmer of positivity mentioned in thi ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Oct 13, 2008 Jessica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary

One of my favorite Atwood's. This story made me consider what could happen. Filled with meaning, it is well worth the read. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jul 15, 2008 Benjamin rated it liked it

Gripping speculative fiction. The story is frightening and occasionally you get a glimpse of not only the hopelessness of the situation, but the capacity for humans to adjust and survive in even the most oppressive environment.

While I was interested and enjoyed the story--and the small details, such as the practical effects of a world where reading is restricted to males only--I had issues with the writing style, which dragged at times and at other times felt artificial or poorly constructed.

T ...more

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Dec 09, 2009 MariLee rated it liked it

Hmmmmm. This was a thought-provoking book set sometime in the future in a dystopian society where children are at a premium. Women who have successfully had children before are given to high ranking officials and their wives in the hopes that these handmaidens will be able to provide them with a child.

The writing itself is well-crafted (the author is an accomplished poetess). PG-13 for content and a few instances of swearing.

The ending is not a satisfying one and leaves lots of questions. I know ...more

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