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Aug 05, 2020TEENREVIEWCREW rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a funny, unexpected and horrifying story based on a female servant in the Republic of Gilead, Offred. Since this novel was so frightening and powering at the same time, it emotionally drained me. The handmaids present in this story have no free will, nor do they have any individualism, as if they are all treated as simple baby producing machines. Atwood does a great job of portraying women without power, and I feel this is still a topic that people need to educate themselves on. Even in this generation, I don’t quite understand why individuals find it so hard to normalize women in position of power. The Handmaid’s Tale shows that if we were to follow the chauvinist views of the old testament with fierce intensity, it would be sure that women would have no power at all. These views would be reinforced by complete cultural destruction, as well as lack of any form of self-expression. In this story, women are not allowed to read or write, not being able to speak their minds. Women are controlled in a way where they are forced to forget their pasts and put an end to any sense of personal affection. It was like an election, where sexism won, and women lost. It was disturbing to read about all the experiences Offred had to encounter, which is what made the novel so perceptive, provoking and dire. I would encourage anyone to give this one a read because you will be impressed! 4.5/5 stars @Bookland of the Hamilton Public Library's Teen Review Board After continual recommendation, I decided to read Margaret Atwood’s famed The Handmaid’s Tale, a modern dystopian novel that simulates a society where women especially are categorized into separate roles, all of which are subservient to men. Offred is a 33-year-old woman who was once married with a 5-year-old child before the totalitarian government was formed, known as the Republic of Gilead. Offred is a Handmaid, a role that deems her a state-approved sex slave to an important man that she is assigned to. Her job is to act as a surrogate of sorts and conceive a child, as births rates have declined in Gilead. Told through the perspective of Offred, readers become familiar with the constructs of Gilead and the experiences of Offred. The Handmaid’s Tale is different from usual dystopian novels as the main character’s ulterior motive is not to escape or find a way to defy the rules of her government as an act of rebellion. The Handmaid’s Tale is an individual story of Offred, no one else, and her personal perception of the society. Atwood’s novel is a refreshing change from the monotonous sci-fi and fantasy books that flood the shelves. I give this book a 3.5/5 star rating and recommend it to readers ages 15+ as there are a lot of sexual descriptions and references. @ilovefood of the Hamilton Public Library's Teen Review Board