I really enjoyed this book. I’d been warned that it was a heavy read and difficult to get in to but I didn’t find it so at all. I’ve pre-ordered the sequel!
I found it difficult to get through too but maybe that was because I saw the TV show first. The book seemed a lot tamer in comparison with the highly sensationalized episodes.
I liked it even though it’s a slow-burn work. It’s that kind of distopian novel that is not accessible for all readers of the genre, so I understand many people don’t like it, I would place it in line with with Orwell’s 1984, Huxley’s A Brave New World, Iain Banks’ A Song of Stone. It’s a book completely outside YA distopian genre and I’m really careful not to recommend it to certain readers. I’m also careful to put long stretches of time among these books. I find them extremely depressing.
You are not alone. It wasn’t that I couldn’t get it or follow the storyline or understand the author’s message. IMO, all those are no deeper than a dime, really simple stuff. What absolutely ruined it for me was the ginormous political chip sitting on the author’s shoulder. I really loathe being taken to task like that. As an intelligent thoughtful woman, I appreciate more a really compelling story that creates a desire to think. This story so didn’t do that for me.
I tried reading it when I was 19 but couldn’t get into it. Tried it again a couple months ago, at age 58, and couldn’t put it down. Can’t blame my first reaction on age, though, because my 19-year-old daughter recommended it to me! Maybe she’s more mature than I was?
@Brenna, perhaps. Scroll up to Catherine Hollyoak’s comment. She attaches the announcement of the coming sequel—which Atwood says she’s writing because of the current social climate.
In spite of all the hype- me too. Read it for a book group a few years ago and I thought it was rather dated. I’ve loved so many of her other books, Blind Assasin. Alias Grace etc.
Atwood’s writing style is not for everyone. It takes effort because there is so much to analyze. I really love her writing but it takes me longer to read her novels than some other writers’ books.
Ik same
Me either. It was just WAY too weird for me
I couldn’t either.
just finished it, I think it’s great
I couldn’t get into the book, but I LOVE the show!!
It is dense … I audiobooked it, it was tedious didn’t like the reader.
I later found a version with Claire Danes narrating, much better version !!
Damn it’s a fave for me. Horses for courses I guess!
Same but I am slowly reading it even if its 1 or 2 pages a day ?
I loved it, but I love MA books in general
Took me a couple of chapters then I couldn’t put it down and at the same time didn’t want it to end. Could not get on with the programme though.
Me either i love the show but didn’t care for the book
I really enjoy the show. I own the book but it’s a little daunting.
I couldn’t get into it either.
Same. It was so highly recommended but it didn’t grab me immediately. I put it down and started something else. I’ll try again some other time.
I really enjoyed this book. I’d been warned that it was a heavy read and difficult to get in to but I didn’t find it so at all. I’ve pre-ordered the sequel!
@Catherine there’s a sequel? ??♀️
@Naté https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/nov/28/margaret-atwood-announces-the-handmaids-tale-sequel-the-testaments
Due for release in September. You can pre-order on Amazon. I’m so excited!
I found it difficult to get through too but maybe that was because I saw the TV show first. The book seemed a lot tamer in comparison with the highly sensationalized episodes.
I liked it even though it’s a slow-burn work. It’s that kind of distopian novel that is not accessible for all readers of the genre, so I understand many people don’t like it, I would place it in line with with Orwell’s 1984, Huxley’s A Brave New World, Iain Banks’ A Song of Stone. It’s a book completely outside YA distopian genre and I’m really careful not to recommend it to certain readers. I’m also careful to put long stretches of time among these books. I find them extremely depressing.
@Raul I so agree with you on comparing her style to Huxley’s! It takes me forever to read their books but I looooove it so much!
You are not alone. It wasn’t that I couldn’t get it or follow the storyline or understand the author’s message. IMO, all those are no deeper than a dime, really simple stuff. What absolutely ruined it for me was the ginormous political chip sitting on the author’s shoulder. I really loathe being taken to task like that. As an intelligent thoughtful woman, I appreciate more a really compelling story that creates a desire to think. This story so didn’t do that for me.
Just started reading. Gobbled up the first 3 chapters. Life’s too short to read books you don’t enjoy! Maybe your next read will be better…
Not my favorite genre, but I’ve read this one twice. Once in college and then again prior to watching the Hulu series. Love it ❤️
Ugh me either I set it aside for now.
I tried reading it when I was 19 but couldn’t get into it. Tried it again a couple months ago, at age 58, and couldn’t put it down. Can’t blame my first reaction on age, though, because my 19-year-old daughter recommended it to me! Maybe she’s more mature than I was?
@Paula have you watched the show. That made me want to read it!
@Hannah, I tried watching the show but didn’t enjoy it. Maybe, as with the book, I should try again in 39 years! ?
@Paula maybe its the social climate?
@Brenna, perhaps. Scroll up to Catherine Hollyoak’s comment. She attaches the announcement of the coming sequel—which Atwood says she’s writing because of the current social climate.
Don’t feel bad Marcie. I couldn’t get into it either & I know several people who couldn’t either.
In spite of all the hype- me too. Read it for a book group a few years ago and I thought it was rather dated. I’ve loved so many of her other books, Blind Assasin. Alias Grace etc.
I like the concept but her writing (at least this book) is not really my reading style…
Me either
Atwood’s writing style is not for everyone. It takes effort because there is so much to analyze. I really love her writing but it takes me longer to read her novels than some other writers’ books.