The Handmaid's Tale

This is an example of the offspring of fanaticism and government overreach gone wrong. The sad thing is that I can almost see us spiraling down into a similar hole. I like to think that the world is more nuanced and intelligent than that but this kind of thing has happened before (think Germany, 1930's).

Offred was an interesting character. In a lot of books like this, the main character would be shown as brave and stoic. They would not crack under pressure. Offred tells us right away that if push comes to shove, she will roll over like a ball going down hill. She is going to spill the beans on everyone she knows if it will save her some pain. I find this honesty and realism refreshing in a character in a novel.

This book should frighten you and serve as a warning. It was written in 1985 but seems more relevant today. I am going to get the second novel so I can see where this story goes.