Is there anything to look forward to?

[Payten]

Im currently half way through The Handmaid's Tale and I am finding it quite difficult to continue reading. I just want to know if it is worth it to continue reading the book. I'm trying to push through because I've been wanting this book for a couple of years, and now that I finally have it, I don't like it nearly as much as I thought I would.

[Florin]

If you're not enjoying it by the half-way point, better put it down. It will not become much different/easier to read towards the end - much of the same.

[Payten]

Thanks for letting me know. :)

[Leslie]

It's difficult to say without knowing what you aren't liking about it.

[CeeCee]

I'm agreeing with Florian... maybe just skip to the end?

[Payten]

I actually did end up reading some more- I'm currently finishing the last 50 pages- and I definitely think the second half is much better. There were actually a few parts that stirred up some anticipation in me, so I think I'm going to just finish it off. For some reason, I was super reluctant to give up this one. I talked myself into finishing it because it was so short. Thanks for everyone's input!

[Payten]

I felt like my head was spinning as I was reading this book (especially the beginning). It reminds me so much of 1984, and I didn't particularly care for that one. I'm not a huge dystopian fan, but i actually didn't realize that this book is dystopian until i started reading this morning. I'm going to have to do some research on her background for writing this book, because I find it a hard to believe that she coincidentally used "unwoman" while Orwell used "unperson."

[CeeCee]

Good for you for sticking it out. Yeah, I can see your point.

[Holly]

I thought The Handmaid's Tale was far more frightening than 1984, and more possible.

[Lauren]

I started reading the Handmaid's Tale for graduate school, and I found it to be a painful read. I don't think I finished it due to time constraints, but usually once I start reading a book I always finish it so that I can give a good honest opinion. For that reason, I would encourage you to finish it, but its nice to know that someone else out there struggled with this book.

[Florin]

I'm glad you kept reading and found it more enjoyable. As for the 'unwoman' thing, I definitely think she meant that as a nod to Orwell. There are no coincidences in fiction, you know...

[Payten]

Holly wrote: "I thought The Handmaid's Tale was far more frightening than 1984, and more possible."

I definitely agree with you there. It was very freaky.

[Renee E]

I agree with Holly also, especially looking at the socio-political-legislative climate of the last decade.

[Hammerquist]

Thanks for all the reviews people. I have checked the book out of the library and will check it right back in again.

[Amy]

I had to read it for my literature studies which immediately made me weary as I don't usually enjoy books that I am 'forced' to read rather than books I choose myself. However, it's a strange book because I think it took me a minute to realise it's dystopian genre and futuristic time setting. I think that one thing The Handmaid's Tale successes at is leaving it's readers with some deep questioning about the world/life, whether that is through enjoyment or distaste for the novel. Anyway hats off to Margaret Atwood!

[Jeffery]

"The Handmaid's Tale" was one of the books I was planning on reading, but after reading some of these reviews, I might just see if I can check it out at a local library instead of spending money on it in case I do not like it! That way I can't say I wasted any money on it at least!

[Sharon]

The Handmaid's Tale is consistently tough reading. It is the kind of story that resonates in the mind for years and never dims. Like 1984, it is not for the reader seeking cozy entertainment. Read it only when/if you want to be provoked, to be kicked out of complacency, to contemplate predatory behavior and class slavery. Read it if you want to think about surrogacy and using the body of someone else for selfish ends. It is dark, unrelenting and very scary.