The Handmaid's Tale is a novel of such power that the reader will be unable to forget its images and its forecast. Set in the near future, it describes life in what was once the United States and is now called the Republic of Gilead, a monotheocracy that has reacted to social unrest and a sharply declining birthrate by reverting to, and going beyond, the...
The Handmaid's Tale is a novel of such power that the reader will be unable to forget its images and its forecast. Set in the near future, it describes life in what was once the United States and is now called the Republic of Gilead, a monotheocracy that has reacted to social unrest and a sharply declining birthrate by reverting to, and going beyond, the repressive intolerance of the original Puritans. The regime takes the Book of Genesis absolutely at its word, with bizarre consequences for the women and men in its population.
The story is told through the eyes of Offred, one of the unfortunate Handmaids under the new social order. In condensed but eloquent prose, by turns cool-eyed, tender, despairing, passionate, and wry, she reveals to us the dark corners behind the establishment’s calm facade, as certain tendencies now in existence are carried to their logical conclusions. The Handmaid's Tale is funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing. It is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and a tour de force.
Reading guide
Why read The Handmaid’s Tale?
Released in 1985, The Handmaid’s Tale sits at an interesting point in literary history, bridging classic sensibilities with more modern narrative techniques.
It sits at the crossroads of Dystopian, Classics, and Romance, making it appealing to readers with varied tastes who enjoy stories that defy easy classification.
Available on Bookble for readers looking to explore Margaret Atwood's work and build a focused reading list.
Recommendations
Books like The Handmaid’s Tale
Margaret Atwood's other works may not be in the current Bookble catalog yet, but the genre shelves below offer strong alternatives.
Within Dystopian, readers who liked The Handmaid’s Tale often gravitate toward 1984, Dune, and Animal Farm — each sharing thematic DNA while offering a different perspective.
The Handmaid's Tale is a novel of such power that the reader will be unable to forget its images and its forecast. Set in the near future, it describes life in what was once the United States and is now called the Republic of Gilead, a monotheocracy that has reacted to social...
Who wrote The Handmaid’s Tale?
The Handmaid’s Tale is by Margaret Atwood.
What genre is The Handmaid’s Tale?
The Handmaid’s Tale falls within Dystopian, Classics, and Romance. Browse related categories on Bookble to find books with a similar style.
When was The Handmaid’s Tale published?
The Handmaid’s Tale was first published in 1985 by Margaret Atwood.
Is The Handmaid’s Tale available as an audiobook or ebook?
The Handmaid’s Tale is listed on Bookble — check the book page for current format availability.
