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 only valued if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the days 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.... Funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing, The Handmaid's Tale is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and tour de force.
This book follows the life of Offred (of Fred), a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead (formerly the United States). It portrays the breakdown of our current society and how easy it was for a group of radicals to take over control. It was a little disturbing in that aspect, but it was interesting to read how it happened and how people were so easily to go along with what they were told. This was the family book club choice and I'm glad that I read it, but I don't think I'll be reading it again. The story jumped around a lot from the past to the present and the future, and sometimes it was hard to follow along. I did try to imagine myself in Offred's place, and although it was disappointing that she went along with what society expected, I can't say I blame her for doing so. I hope to never be in a situation like that.
Rating: 2.75/5
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