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A Goodreads user asked this question about The Handmaid’s Tale (The Handmaid's Tale, #1):
Do you wish Gilead would come true?
Martin No, I don't--not in ANY form, shape, or way. Male or female led society, it doesn't matter who is in charge. Power is the seed that corrupts.

Througho…moreNo, I don't--not in ANY form, shape, or way. Male or female led society, it doesn't matter who is in charge. Power is the seed that corrupts.

Throughout human history, there are countless of examples--even today, in this modern Jewell of a world--where the premise of this book is the reality for millions of, not only women, but men and children: slavery. Sexual slavery, in this case for the purpose of breeding, is just one of many hardcore realities, historical and present, that the vast majority of humanity closes its eyes to because such is always the easiest solution.

But rest assured, if humanity continue down the path we travel today: climate changes, over-population, rape of the eco-system, etc. we will end up with our own dystopian story, perhaps something like a handmaid's tale, perhaps worse. People doesn't seem to understand the concept of that the human species is our own worst enemy. And that dystopian fiction is but a snapshot of our own worst fears. Power corrupts, ladies... screaming for empowerment... that too has consequences because power itself is the problem, not the wielder.

The road to hell is paved with the best of intentions, as is depicted in this book. The necessary, methodical breeding of women to bring children into the world to ensure the survival of the human race. But at what cost? And is it worth it? Who is to really say if the sacrifice given is worth the consequence in the eyes of the characters? Only they can answer.

But it's a damn fine book!(less)
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The Handmaid’s Tale
by Margaret Atwood (Goodreads Author)
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