The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

(Image from: Amazon.ca)

I am a bit ashamed to admit that I've never read The Handmaid's Tale before.  My husband read it in high school and enjoyed it because it was "risqué" at the time.  It was never required reading for me and I did not get around to reading it until it was...for my book club!

This is an interesting dystopian novel about the role of women in a new, seemingly ultra-religious society sometime in the future (perhaps soon after present day given that it was written in 1986.). What was once the USA has fallen into various wars and one society that emerges puts women into separate groups.  Some are breeders, as the main character is.  Some are wives, cooks or housekeepers.  All have assigned tasks and all are completely covered.  This is to keep away temptation and try to change society "for the better."  Citizens are often imprisoned or killed for not agreeing with the government.  I couldn't put this book down and especially liked the "Historical Notes" at the end.

I know that the TV series is popular, but I can't download it in Dhaka (legally) so have not yet seen it.  I'm excited to watch it because I'm interested in comparing it to the book.  I've read several news articles about the show "mirrors reality."  I'm not convinced the book does this, so I'm curious if the TV series has been adapted in any way.

Find The Handmaid's Tale in the library at: SCI-FI F ATW or ask us to borrow a copy from the textbook room.