It’s a polemic masquerading as a novel, that’s why I prefer the TV show. The film was too faithful to the book and suffered for it. Her insistence that she doesn’t write Science Fiction annoys me, as it shows her unawareness of good SF. Le Guin and Delaney are better writers on similar themes.
She uses the tropes of dystopian science fiction to highlight the treatment of women in a patriarchal society. However, she doesn’t explore how her world came to be and uses a deus ex machina to resolve the plot. Contrast this with Le Guins “The Left Hand of Darkness” which slowly reveals a world of hermaphrodite and all ramifications that would have (social, political and personal). As you’ve probably gathered, I’ve the usual SF fans chip on shoulder about literary authors borrowing from the genre but denying they do so (honourable exception – David Mitchell)
I didn’t read the book but watching the show nowadays.. It’s really touching especially if we realize there are alot of ppl have such extremist opinions ?
I liked it, it was slow though. I listened to the audiobook while doing housework or driving. I don’t know if I would have been able to get through it if I had to sit and read it though.
I enjoyed reading it and could see many parts that are still relevant today. I think that is perhaps because she only included situations that had predcident or were plausible which I appreciated in a dystopic novel.
I enjoyed researching the feminist era in which Atwood wrote it. Her take on it being a feminist book was interesting. I love how she got the idea for the book while living in Berlin.
At first I wasn’t sure if I would be able to finish it. It drove me crazy that there were no quotation marks! But I stuck with it and after about 50 pages I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
Yes, the first season ends exactly where the book ends, so season 2 is all new. Margaret Atwood is helping to write the second season of the show, though, so it’s still so good!!
I’ve never read the book but I am watching the series..it is disturbing and dark but also very intense and will have you on the edge of your seat from the beginning til the end!
I love the tv show but haven’t read the book. I really can’t be in the same kind of head space with those types of books. For some reason, tv and movies don’t affect me in the same way.
I read it several years ago and was so blah that I’d forgotten most of the story by the time the show came out. I’m not a fan I didn’t think it was well written, though the story was some-what original. What’s worse is, it’s making some people paranoid. But that’s my opinion of course. 😉
Excellent writing and attention to detail makes the book come alive. I cancelled my HULU subscription, because now it is not necessary for me. The book is *always* better. There’s more information.
I did not like it. Definitely see it as one of those books that you either love or dont like at all. There is rarely an in-between. I didnt like the way it was written. I dont doubt the concept but i have read her book Oryx and Crake and could not read that one either. Mine is an author issue. Im not too keen on the idea but its not awful
I liked the book. I think its theme is unique. My criticism is that it is often vague, though I realize Ms Atwood intended it to be. The series is also very good. It stays true to the book while providing more details where the book was vague, however, in my opinion, not enough information is provided in the series to explain how the extreme changes in society came to be. It relies on flashbacks to do so. I suggest reading the book, then watching the series.
Excellent, thought provoking, disturbing and very timely
I bought it last Friday evening and was done with it by mid-Saturday. I couldn’t put it down. I recommend it to everyone.
Love the book!
Haven’t read the book but the show is amazing. I think a similar fate for our lifetime.
Terrifying, entirely absorbing and seeming scarily more prescient by the day
Really enjoyed it !
Have the book but not started it yet
It’s one of those rare instances where I think the show is better than the book. But both are very good!!
Meh..not for me…
Loved it! Relevant and thought provoking.
It made an impact, that’s for sure.
Didn’t like it much the first time, just reread it recently and loved it. Sadly relevant today
Really enjoying it
S l o w
Very!
It’s a polemic masquerading as a novel, that’s why I prefer the TV show. The film was too faithful to the book and suffered for it. Her insistence that she doesn’t write Science Fiction annoys me, as it shows her unawareness of good SF. Le Guin and Delaney are better writers on similar themes.
Would you classify this particular book as Science Fiction? Not being rude just would like your thought.
She uses the tropes of dystopian science fiction to highlight the treatment of women in a patriarchal society. However, she doesn’t explore how her world came to be and uses a deus ex machina to resolve the plot. Contrast this with Le Guins “The Left Hand of Darkness” which slowly reveals a world of hermaphrodite and all ramifications that would have (social, political and personal). As you’ve probably gathered, I’ve the usual SF fans chip on shoulder about literary authors borrowing from the genre but denying they do so (honourable exception – David Mitchell)
I read it so long ago. I haven’t seen the show. Loved the book. If you liked it, read Oryx and Crake. It will really get you thinking
It is slow going but worth it
I liked the premise of the book when I read it 15 years ago, or so.
I like the show.
I haven’t read it. I read the description and it just didn’t sound appealing to me but it did have good reviews
Loved it!
Just ok! Was hoping for a better ending.
I didn’t read the book but watching the show nowadays.. It’s really touching especially if we realize there are alot of ppl have such extremist opinions ?
I love dystopian fiction but this book bored me to tears…gave a 1 star review 😛
I read the book but i prefer the tv show
I haven’t been able to get into it.
Read it didn’t dislike it. It left me feeling weird. Hard to explain.
I liked it, it was slow though. I listened to the audiobook while doing housework or driving. I don’t know if I would have been able to get through it if I had to sit and read it though.
Wish I’d read the book instead of watching it on tv x
Never too late. If you check out Slate’s podcast on Google Play, they have an awesome show / book discussion.
I liked the book and the TV show–both are good in their own genre:-)
Great show chillingly possible
Great read
I enjoyed reading it and could see many parts that are still relevant today. I think that is perhaps because she only included situations that had predcident or were plausible which I appreciated in a dystopic novel.
I enjoyed researching the feminist era in which Atwood wrote it. Her take on it being a feminist book was interesting. I love how she got the idea for the book while living in Berlin.
What are your thoughts on the historical notes at the end?
I read the book a long time ago, and thought it was very good. Don’t like the series at all.
Loved it ..
Its on my TBR list.
Scared me…
I loved the book, then the ending happened and made the book horrible. I HATED the ending. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE the tv show
Loved it
Great book and they’re doing a great job with the show.
At first I wasn’t sure if I would be able to finish it. It drove me crazy that there were no quotation marks! But I stuck with it and after about 50 pages I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
I hear you on the quotation mark anomaly. That took getting used to.
Didn’t like it!
a very difficult read ….maybe because I saw the first season before I read the book
How about. The. Widow
Loved the book!
I loved it but was disappointed by the ending. I wanted to know more x
Watching the show now and loving it. My aunt said the book is completely different and she preferred it over the show
I have the book it have been watching the series I really like it but have wondered is there o ly one book ?
Yes, the first season ends exactly where the book ends, so season 2 is all new. Margaret Atwood is helping to write the second season of the show, though, so it’s still so good!!
Oh yuck. Im half way thru. Dont tell but do they say where glen is
I’ve never read the book but I am watching the series..it is disturbing and dark but also very intense and will have you on the edge of your seat from the beginning til the end!
Loved it!!!! Powerful
I love the tv show but haven’t read the book. I really can’t be in the same kind of head space with those types of books. For some reason, tv and movies don’t affect me in the same way.
the book is phenomenal
Amazing book and show
Predictable.
Love the series on tv. Should I wait to
Read the book. Is it the same or have they changed it
Love the show, just started the book
Excellent book. Haven’t seen the show.
Love the book!!
A true classic.
I read it several years ago and was so blah that I’d forgotten most of the story by the time the show came out. I’m not a fan I didn’t think it was well written, though the story was some-what original. What’s worse is, it’s making some people paranoid. But that’s my opinion of course. 😉
1984 makes people paranoid to this day, for good reason.
Very true that book scared the hell outta me
The book was blah. Tv show MUCH better
Excellent writing and attention to detail makes the book come alive. I cancelled my HULU subscription, because now it is not necessary for me. The book is *always* better. There’s more information.
I mirror to Chromecast using Terrarium app..you can download apk. Just Google it
The show is excellent and the book is also.
Love it! A x
I did not like it. Definitely see it as one of those books that you either love or dont like at all. There is rarely an in-between. I didnt like the way it was written. I dont doubt the concept but i have read her book Oryx and Crake and could not read that one either. Mine is an author issue. Im not too keen on the idea but its not awful
Another Atwood that fell from my hands into a heap – a mountain! – of unreadable Atwood’s.
I liked the book. I think its theme is unique. My criticism is that it is often vague, though I realize Ms Atwood intended it to be. The series is also very good. It stays true to the book while providing more details where the book was vague, however, in my opinion, not enough information is provided in the series to explain how the extreme changes in society came to be. It relies on flashbacks to do so. I suggest reading the book, then watching the series.
Didn’t like the book.