The Handmaid's Tale Read-Along - Discussion #Resistance #13WLRP

I think one of the reasons that I put off reading The Handmaid’s Tale for so long is because I thought that it wouldn’t be relevant. It was written over 30 years ago, right? I was a teenager when it came out, and I remember that there was media attention over the writing but not any specifics. I also remember that it was banned, and it is #37 on the ALA’s 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books for 1990-1999.

I was most surprised at how relevant Atwood’s writing is, even today! She wrote about a futuristic society, and what is most disturbing is that I can actually envision how such a society could come to pass with a tyrannical leader. It’s a very scary thought! When she wrote about “Islamic fanatics,” my gut wrenched. This seems too plausible!!

As a divorced mom and sole provider for my two daughters, Atwood’s dystopian world would take away my independence and ability to support my children. Not only would my rights be stripped, but theirs as well as they would be groomed to be Handmaids with no other options. I would do anything to escape from that world, like Offred did. If I was caught like Offred, I would then be separated from my children and would never see them again. That would kill me. I would be determined to find them and still try to escape.

Although I cannot imagine having loveless sex with someone for the sake of procreation, we do all have a survival instinct. If it was just me with no children, I think I’d rather be sent to the colonies! But as a mom with daughters who would be destined to a life like that? I’d try to escape and, if caught, to find my way back to them.

The Handmaids are also forbidden from reading, and I assume that is so that they are kept in the dark about what is happening in the rest of the world. It’s another way for the government to exercise their control over the Handmaids, to diminish them as individuals with no rights of their own.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and thanks to Michelle for finally giving me the push I needed to knock it off my TBR!

My review is posted HERE.

Thanks, again, Michelle for hosting the read-a-long!