The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel

Book Description

In the world of the near future, who will control women's bodies?

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are only valued if their ovaries are viable.

Offred can remember the days before, when she lived and made love with her husband Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now....

Funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing, The Handmaid's Tale is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and tour de force.

Customer Reviews:

The Handmaid's Tale, a Unique Book.......2007-10-08

The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood, is a unique book. Even though it was written over thirty years ago, the politics come through to me as very similar to some of the world's current governments. It is a hugely realistic fantasy book, one that has parts I can see coming true very soon. Margart Atwood's descriptions gave me a detailed picture of the hard, limited, and completely controlled world in which Offred lived in. The way she told her story made me think that she had so much spirit in her life before she became a handmaid, and to read the descriptions of her life made me think, "Oh yeah, I do that." Or, "I dress like that all the time." Things that we take for granted were things of the past in this book. The descriptions of places, however ordinary, were rich and detailed. I loved how towards the end of the book, the reader gets more of her story, and the whole thing gets involved and complicated, at least compared to Offred's life earlier in the book.
I would recommend this book to people who like almost disturbingly real novels, suspense, or science fiction. This would also be a good book for people who enjoyed The Giver, but The Handmaid's Tale is much more advanced, and is probably not suitable for people under 12.

Disturbing but a great read.......2007-09-23

Chilling and upsetting, this book shook me up but it was a great read. Very well-written, very powerful. I had to take a break from reading after finishing this. Loved it.

captivating, didn't care for or feel satisfied by the ending..........2007-09-22

heavy at times, but I love Atwoods books. I would recommend this book.
I did not care for the way the book ended, but I did learn a lot from it. It is eerie how close to the edge Atwood's stories go and yet as we peer into the future still believable. Atwoods dark imagination keeps me reading more and more of her books.
My favorite to date: The Blind Assassin
Least favorite to date: Cat's Eye or the Edible Woman

A Future All To Close..........2007-09-14

i may not be a graceful reviewer, but if you somehow stumble on this book the way i did...you will love it and want more. I love how strange this world was and how corrupt. Society and life has been altered...You feel like its the past only to discover that was our country in the future...
LIKE CHILDREN OF MEN!

Liked it........2007-09-05

But I didn't love it. The ending drove me nuts (but I won't blurt it out, for those who aren't there yet). Overall, it was well written, if a little trite.

The Handmaid's Tale (Everyman's Library)

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The Handmaid's Tale (Everyman's Library)
Margaret Atwood
Manufacturer: Everyman's Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0307264602
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Book Description

(Book Jacket Status: Jacketed)

A gripping vision of our society radically overturned by a theocratic revolution, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid's Tale has become one of the most powerful and most widely read novels of our time.

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, serving in the household of the enigmatic Commander and his bitter wife. She may go out once a day to markets whose signs are now pictures because women are not allowed to read. She must pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, for in a time of declining birthrates her value lies in her fertility, and failure means exile to the dangerously polluted Colonies. Offred can remember a time when she lived with her husband and daughter and had a job, before she lost even her own name. Now she navigates the intimate secrets of those who control her every move, risking her life in breaking the rules.

Like Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, The Handmaid's Tale has endured not only as a literary landmark but as a warning of a possible future that is still chillingly relevant.

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A very helpful guide to understand Atwood's dystopic novel
A dystopia --- Margret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Too Close for Comfort
This book was chilling, changing, incredible.
A concept of our society, framed in the future

The Handmaid's Tale (Cliffs Notes)
Mary Ellen Snodgrass
Manufacturer: Cliffs Notes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0822005727

Book Description

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.

In CliffsNotes on The Handmaid's Tale, you come to realize that for every utopia, there's a corresponding dystopia. This tale of a bleak future depicts a time where women are valued only for their reproductive capacities. While this cautionary tale of repression and totalitarianism is horrifying, there are moments of poetic warmth and humor. It is a brilliant satire.

This concise supplement to Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale helps you understand the overall structure of the novel, actions and motivations of the characters, and the social and cultural perspectives of the author. Features that help you study include

Chapter-by-chapter summaries and commentaries
A timeline of critical events that leads to the climax of the novel
A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters
Critical essays on women's roles in the novel, and the use of literary devices, themes, and settings
A review section that tests your knowledge

Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Customer Reviews:

A very helpful guide to understand Atwood's dystopic novel.......2001-04-11

This review is actually of Mary Ellen Snodgrass' Cliff Notes for "The Handmaid's Tale" and not Margaret Atwood's novel, which is one of the few late 20th-century works for which there is a little yellow book. Snodgrass begins with a concise review of Atwood's life, background and published works. By way of setting up the novel, Snodgrass takes the rather unusual step of providing comments from various reviewers of "The Handmaid's Tale." Establishing it as work of speculative fiction that warns (predicts?) of a triumph of totalitarianism, Snodgrass puts the novel in the tradition of dystopian novels such as "1984," "Brave New World," "A Clockwork Orange," "Fahrenheit 451," etc. (all of which would serve as interesting analogs for students to compare/contrast). We are then provided a list of characters, a very useful time line covering the events in the novel, and a brief synopsis of the novel. In terms of Critical Commentaries, Snodgrass looks at the three epigraphs than open the novels and then each of the fifteen chapters and the "historical notes," offering brief descriptions and then commentary. Two of the strengths of her approach are that Snodgrass puts literary concepts in boldface and "translates" difficult words and phrases that are important in the novel. A Genealogy of Offred and Janine (Ofwarren) is included, along with a small map of New England. For Critical Essays, Snodgrass focuses on Literary Analysis (existential apologia, oral history, speculative fiction, confession, dystopia), over a dozen Literary Devices (simile, symbol, historical and cultural lore, literary allusion, parody, etc.), and the idea of women in "The Handmaid's Tale," as well as the traditional elements of themes and settings. She even offers 15 points of significant differences between Atwood's novel and the 1990 film version directed by David Ray (perhaps the most useful information for teachers who are using this book in class to have).

Snodgrass' notes for Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" is an above average Cliffs Notes volume, because it does a nice job of putting the book in literary perspective as a dystopic novel, takes pains to define words/phrases for readers unique to the culture of Gilead, and integrates dozens of literary concepts into its analysis. "The Handmaid's Tale" has the advantage of being speculative fiction, what many students will insist on thinking of as "science fiction," which will entice more students to be interested in reading the novel, at which point I do not think they can help but be engaged by the world Atwood creates and the issues she raises. Snodgrass' notes will allow students to see it as "literature" as well.

A dystopia --- Margret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale'.......2001-03-31

Margaret Atwood created a shocking example for the future : A dystopia. Atwood created the State of Gilead, a totalitarian state. In this state citizens are controlled and women are considered most important in their child bearing role. The story is told by a handmaid, who is supposed to become pregnant, her name is Offred. A few chapters are full of tension and shock, but if you think (during reading this chapters) that you will learn more about it, you will be disappointed. Every time Atwood puts chapters in, which calm you down again. The protagonist Offred, suddenly refers to usual things. For example after the ceremony scene, she tells about using butter instead of body cream. This behaviour emphasizes Offred's desensitised character. Lots of unbelievable things are normal for Offred. This shows that the totalitarian regime has full control and violates many Human Rights. But Offred rebels just in a little way. She is coloured with duality, her thoughts differ from her real actions. Furthermore two different societies are presented in contrast to each other. On the one hand the former `normal' society (as we know it nowadays) and on the other hand the Gilead society, but the development from a liberal society to a totalitarian regime is not described in detail. This shows, that it is not easy for Offred to get information. News channels are censored, most of the women are not allowed to write or read... The Historical Notes at the end of the novel still belong to Offred's story and give it somehow authenticity. I think `The Handmaid's Tale' is a well written novel, but you should not expect to get satisfied, because it is a warning and does not give you the feeling of release at the end. Just bare in mind that every gap and additional information (e.g. the Historical Notes) in Atwood's novel has it's function.

Too Close for Comfort.......2001-02-05

This should be required reading for every female in this country over the age of 16. I read this book in college and it scared the bejeezus out of me then. So much so that I refused for years to have an ATM card. Now that the extreme right and the Moral Majority have nearly taken over the Republican party and so many of our military leaders have become rabid Fundamentalists, it's too close to a potential future.

This book was chilling, changing, incredible........1999-11-07

I have never read a more accurate book of fiction before. I haven't thought about the personal rights that I enjoy, until I read the Handmaid's Tale. It is a story of rebellion and it is about the will to live. It is about finding the means to survive emotionally. It is about sex, but not kinky sex. It is about the neccesity for love. I loved this book, and I hope that someday, every high school senior has a chance to read this book before they graduate.

A concept of our society, framed in the future.......1999-09-29

A fantastic piece of poetic prose which captures not only the horrors of a future society but also those of our own. Atwoods ability to cinematically describe events in such detail, allow vivid pictures of both characters and settings to form in our minds as we imaginatively read the text, and although often obscure Offred's perspective is made truely believable as a result of her lack of stimulants, and censored life. Although on first inspection this book appears to portray a depressing glimpse into a bleak future, on closer inspection we also see how it is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit in adversity.This satirical account provides a moral messsage that we could all learn from, appreciate the freedom which we have at the present and never abbuse it.

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The Handmaid's Tale

Manufacturer: Virago Press Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0860688666

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Dangerous Theocracy!

The Handmaid's Tale (New Windmill)
Margaret Atwood
Manufacturer: Heinemann Educational Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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The Road

ASIN: 0435124099

Customer Reviews:

Dangerous Theocracy!.......2007-05-04

Even if Ms Atwood claims this book is "main fiction", there is no doubt in my mind that it has all the traits of very good sci-fi.
It is a dystopia depicting a very stark future, but not impossible in occurrence.
In a not so far future, a theocratic government has taken power over USA using violent methods. The new society is shaped as a patriarchal hierarchy, relegating women to a very subordinate position. One step after other this totalitarian government has banned gays, other religious groups and political dissidents.
The story is told by a Handmaid that is to say a fertile woman used as an official concubine by high ranking officials. Women have been stratified in rigid classes: Wives & Daughters, Handmaids, Marthas, Aunts and Housewives. Each class has its codified role and attributes under constant surveillance of males. Males are also stratified: Commanders, Angels, Eyes and Guards. They also are subjected to very strict behavior codes. Any intent of deviation is harshly punished.
The Diary gives the reader inkling into the new society and how it came into existence, but not a detailed and complete picture, rendering the novel very believable and interesting.

Ms. Atwood prose is very ascetic; short phrases devoid of adjectives gives her novel a very special taste. The reader is introduced into this stark universe little by little and the whole image takes some time to be grasped. As a final result a griping tale emerges.
This novel has been compared, deservedly, with Orwell's "1984" and Huxley's "Brave New World" and in my view it stands to par with them.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

GradeSaver(tm) ClassicNotes The Handmaid's Tale

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GradeSaver(tm) ClassicNotes The Handmaid's Tale
China Millman
Manufacturer: GradeSaver, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1602590052
Release Date: 2006-11-23

Book Description

GradeSaver(TM) ClassicNotes are the ultimate study guides, written by Harvard students for students! Each note includes: * An author biography * An in-depth chapter-by-chapter summary * A short summary * A character list and related descriptions * A list of themes * A glossary * Historical context * Two academic essays * 100 quiz questions to improve test taking skills!

"Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood (York Notes)

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"Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood (York Notes)
Coral Ann Howells
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0582215382

Surfacing, Life Before Man, the Handmaid's Tale

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Surfacing, Life Before Man, the Handmaid's Tale
Margaret Atwood
Manufacturer: Quality Paperback Book Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000BKSUHE

Margaret Atwood's the Handmaid's Tale (Bloom's Guides)

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Why Would Anyone Give This Only 4 Stars?

Margaret Atwood's the Handmaid's Tale (Bloom's Guides)

Manufacturer: Chelsea House Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel

ASIN: 0791075699

Book Description

Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, part of Chelsea House Publishers' Bloom's Guides collection, presents concise critical excerpts from The Handmaid's Tale to provide a scholarly overview of the work. This comprehensive study guide also features "The Story Behind the Story," which details the conditions under which The Handmaid's Tale was written. This title also includes a short biography on Margaret Atwood and a descriptive list of characters.

Customer Reviews:

Why Would Anyone Give This Only 4 Stars?.......2005-04-21

This is easily the most impactful book I have ever read. It is brilliant, in every sense of the word. Every woman should own a copy! "Progressed" men will benefit, too. If you can avoid reading the reviews of this book that describe the whole thing, you'll enjoy it a lot more. I hate when people tell me the story before I get a chance to read it. Be prepared, this book has a strong message.

Approaches to Teaching Atwood's the Handmaid's Tale and Other Works (Approaches to Teaching World Literature)

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Reality: Offred fights and survies
Reality: Offred fights and survies

Approaches to Teaching Atwood's the Handmaid's Tale and Other Works (Approaches to Teaching World Literature)

Manufacturer: Modern Language Association of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0873527364

Customer Reviews:

Reality: Offred fights and survies.......1999-03-02

This book deals with many things such as humanity and class but the main thing it deals with is the struuggle for women and how they gain and lose power by their sexuality. Offred has power over the Commander and his wife because she is fertile but her fate lies in their hands so they also have power over her. I really enjoyed this book it was mind boogleing to think that these situations can and do occur in society

Reality: Offred fights and survies.......1999-03-02

Book Description

Womanspirit Rising

The classic anthology on feminist spirituality --
Now with an update preface in which the editors discuss its initial reception and continuing impact.

Customer Reviews:

very good for the time it was writen.......2006-10-23

writen in 1979, i suppose the world was in a very different place in terms of the feminist dialectic. this book has a very significant focus on christian and judiac tradition, so if you are interested in a more thorough read for our contempory diverse world, you may find more to be desired. however, this book does have some great strengths. the articles that are writen about feminist perspectives on christianity and judiasm are very insightful and well writen. and this book is worth having and reading for "part 4- creating new traditions" alone. i do refer to this book from time to time when doing research and find it elequent and inspiring, despite its narrow focus. perhaps a revised edition that includes more diverse contributions from feminists of other major religions like islam, hinduism, and budhism, ect. is long overdue.

Feminist Spirituality at its finest!.......2001-07-21

I was introduced to this book in a feminist spirituality class, taught by a methodist (woman) minister. This and its sequel, Weaving the Visions, helped change my spiritual life. It affirmed the feminine face of God for me, and it did help me to know there are others out there seeking the Femininity of God. That we all have our own, bizarre path to the Divine One; be it one sex or another. This book opens up to a world of feminist thought and ritual; how different feminists, scholars and religious leaders experience divinity and come to terms with it. There are Christians, Jews and Pagans here. An excerpt from "The Color Purple" which Christ seems to favor in other publications. Truly a wonderful work of art for women. A feminist must have.

A must have for those interested in feminist studies!.......1999-06-30

This book and its successor, Weaving the Visions, are the keystones of my library of feminist religious studies. The contributors expose us to feminist critiques of religion from many perspectives and backgrounds. This book is an uplifting source of inspiration for men and women alike. At the same time, it remains a pinnacle of scholarship in its field. I would highly recommend it to anyone with even a remote interest in feminist religious thought!

Womanspirit Rising: A Feminist Reader in Religion

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Womanspirit Rising: A Feminist Reader in Religion
Judith; Christ, Carol P. Plaskow
Manufacturer: Harper & Row
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QU5UYU

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Womanspirit Rising: A Feminist Reader In Religion
Carol P. Christ
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OERCIU

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Womanspirit Rising: A Feminist Reader in Religion
Carol P.; Plaskow, Judith Christ
Manufacturer: Harper & Row
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000PGYXF2

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Womanspirit Rising: A Feminist Reader in Religion
Carol P, and Plaskow, Judith Christ
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEWCAS

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Womanspirit Rising: A Feminist Reader in Religion
Carol P.; Plaskow, Judith Christ
Manufacturer: Harper & Row
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Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NY4QYY

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