I feel like I'm cheating on the Dystopian Challenge because I would have been reading all these books anyway. It's like it's too easy. I really think I might finish this challenge, and that means it'll be the first challenge I EVER completed.
So, the Handmaid's Tale. Wow. I loved this book. I'm now a huge Margaret Atwood fan. Well, I guess I should read a few more before declaring that. I did read Oryx and Crake a few years ago and really liked that. I'm not going to summarize the book anymore than to say that it's the story of a new society built on top of an old one, one we know very well. For more info, see 3M's and Jen Robinson's reviews.
The book is written very anthropologically, as the main character describes her life in the new society as compared with her old, normal life. And by this method, she describes the way the society works as well. The language is beautiful in its simplicity. The writing style is very appealing to me. It was a treat to read this book after The Postman which I read just for plot. With The Handmaid's Tale, I enjoyed the riveting, fascinating story and the intriguing characters, as well as the literary qualities of the writing. It was also fun to guess the setting by reading for clues. In the beginning, there are a few subtle clues that led me to believe I knew where it took place and then towards the end there are more direct clues that affirmed my guess was correct.
Super highly recommended, whether you're into dystopians or not.
4 comments:
I'll be reading this one soon, too! I also really like Atwood. I just read Alias Grace which is a fictional recounting of a true story - reminded me somewhat of the Lizzie Borden story. I've also read Oryx and Crake and loved that one too :) Congratulations on getting close to finishing this challenge!!!!
Thanks for the link! I've enjoyed most of Atwood's books, though surprisingly, I didn't care for Oryx and Crake. I listened to it on MP3, and it may just have not been well suited to that format - I don't know. But The Handmaid's Tale is timeless.
This book is just SO good!! I loved it!! It also scared the
!#^@% out of me!!
I haven't read Orxy and Crake yet. But it's on the list!
The thing that scares me the most about this book is that it could come true, if we're not careful.
I loved THE ROBBER BRIDE, too. It was a very different type of story.
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