I honestly don’t know what to say about The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. It was good. Really good. I mean, it was the kind of book that had me wanting to read at stop lights, for crying out loud, and left me thinking about it for days afterwards. But it was difficult to read – very wordy and not a lot of punctuation – and quite depressing at times. It’s one of those dystopian America, set sometime in the not so distant future (or so I gathered) kind of reads, but this one focused on how the lives of women were changed. A fascinating concept no doubt, but I had so many unanswered questions at the end that I felt quite frustrated and a little robbed. Perhaps it was written this way so each reader could fill in the blanks, but I have enough to think about on a daily basis. When I read, I just want a complete story told in complete sentences with a beginning, middle and end.
Goodreads says: 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 valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years 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…
I don’t want to deter you from reading this book because really, it’s worth the time. I would love to know your thoughts, if you’ve read it!!
As always, let me know what’s on your bedside!! I go through all your comments and add them to my Goodreads to-read list!!
xoxo
PS. The winner of my House Proud book giveaway compliments of the Uptown Acorn / Bestie R is comment #190 (via random.org):
For those that didn’t win, all is not lost! Ron is giving away a second copy on his blog starting October 1!!
Congrats to the winner !!! Sadly I didnt win lol but can't wait to order a copy for myself :) thanks again amanda for having a great giveaway !!
This was made into a movie in the 90's. I still have nightmares about it…way too creepy for me…
Dang…not only did you tease me with The Bone Bed, but now this one. You must read at lightening speed and I don't know when you do this (between 12 and 12:01???, ha). Thank you for the recommendations. I guess I will have to purchase these and add them to my bookcase of "gotta read later" section.
I read A Handmaid's Tale several years ago and you are right, it is one that you think about days after you turn the last page. I have read two good books lately, Still Alice by Lisa Genova and Unfinished Desires by Gail Godwin. Unfinished Desires is about a Catholic Girls School in the mountains of North Carolina and how it affected the lives of the girls and the nuns. It is an old book but I just came across it at the library.
Four very different books I have read lately that have left me thinking. Serena by Ron Rash, The Snowball by Warren Buffett, and The Noticer by Andy Andrews. Ron Rash has such a way with words.
DiAnne in NC
Congrats to Ron- I adore him and J! After I talked to my daughter (after she read the book) I couldn't make myself read it. There are those books that just stick with you for years though, aren't there? xo Diana
I read The Handmaid's Tale when it first came out years ago. It stuck with me too and my book club read it last year at my suggestion. Those dystopian type books are always fascinating. I remember that the way the authorities of "Gilead" took over was by freezing everyone's accounts, since they all used cards…no cash. Hmmmmm, sound familiar? A little prohetic, yikes!
I just finished Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear. It is the first in a series of books about Maisie. She grew up in England as a servant in a house, but was recognized by the lady of the house as someone who had great potential. Thus she was tutored and received a formal education. She opens her own detective agency, and smartly solves cases, all the while helping her clients, and those she meets along the way, to feel better in some way. I particularly loved the quotes from Maurice, her mentor and counselor.
Marme
You need to put down all these crazy books and read "Ladies Night" by Mary Kay Andrews. It's sooo good. I'm finally finishing it after starting Marm's book in savannah. It's about a home décor/lifestyle blogger :)
xoxo
Already finished it :-). Just haven't blogged it. Was quite good!
So excited to be the lucky one. Thank you!
I'll send you an email asap………Sarah
Hello! I just finished The Kitchen House, and it is definitely worth reading. It is about the slave kitchen houses in the south. Although very sad at times, also very engaging, and you will find yourself thinking about the characters after you're done.
~Lisa
I also just read this and I read it right after a Jodi Piccoult novel so double depression! haha The Handmaid's Tale was actually on a list I found of the top 50 books all women should read so that is why I had it! Very interesting and haunting read for sure (but yes difficult at times!)