Laura H. reviewed on 9/24/2010 + 15 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 4

Fascinating tale of a near-future society where democracy and women's rights are null and void. Offred is a Handmaid - a fertile woman assigned to a Commander's home who's only function is to get pregnant and hopefully deliver a healthy baby - this is her story. Thanks to environmental and nuclear disasters that have taken place, many men and women are sterile - the men in power devised this handmaid plan to repopulate their new society. Offred has limited freedom - the only time she is allowed out of the house is once a day to walk to the market. She spins the tale of her current situation intermingled with backstory from her childhood, her college years and her former marriage as well as how she ended up as a handmaid. Margaret Atwood is a brillant writer and this classic will not disappoint. And while this book is considered sci-fi, do not let the label scare you off, it is a wonderful story with excellent writing and a frightening message. One of my new favorites.

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