By Margaret Atwood
This book is not for the weak of heart and is intended for a more mature audience. This content is definitely more mature than most of the books that I present in this format. Which does not mean that it is not relevant ( it is!) and it is assuredly worthy of a read. First let me explain why I decided to read this book. After the repeal of Roe v. Wade - I watched several videos of women rallying in opposition dressed as the Handmaid. Being a curious individual I wanted to read, the correlations between our times and this book. In advent of these troubling times and the actions of the Supreme Court, this book is indeed concerning.
This is a dystopian tale set in the future, after a moral cleansing of the masses. Women, of child bearing age and ability, are now concerned sacred vessels to be utilized in procreation. There is no love in this book, no passion only the cold attempt at creating life. Religious zealots have overtaken taken over the United States, and the land of the free has become a regimented military zone. Offred is living in a commander's home under very strict guidelines. She has a specific diet, a regulated daily walk with another handmaid, in which they do the daily shopping, with coupons that she receives from the house cook. During their walk they are allowed some "freedom" on their course of travel. Most often they check the wall, where criminals' corpses are displayed as a warning to everyone.
As the tale progresses, the reader is awarded brief glimpses of a happier time. When Offred had a life with a child a man she loved. A time of picnics, hotels, a job and money of her own. All of this is slowly stripped as the religious order takes control. First she looses her job, and access to all of her money. They see the writing on the wall and decide to try to escape to Canada. Of course, they are caught and Offred is kept by Handmaid's, since she obviously can procreate. She never discovers what happened to her love or her child. Which is how Serena is able to manipulate her actions, and put herself in danger. I think these memories of happier times and the possibility of reuniting with either her child or her love are what keep her grounded and willing to stay. She often talks of the possibility of ending it, and committing suicide, but can never summon the strength to end her existence.
The past is also exhibited in memories of life at the training center. Where initiates are manipulated and coerced to believe that this existence is for their own good. They are better off being an empty vessel without love and freedom, then they would be with all of the freedom in the world. That it is for their own safety that they are sequestered away from society. Only men of power can touch them. Women are no longer raped and left on the side of the road to rot. They are "cherished" and protected. The women at the center live a very regimented life, and many do not make it through the training. The women are beat into submission and learn to fear the all seeing eye and their handlers. They are threatened with being a non women, death or being shipped to the colonies. Since they can not make money or have a job, many feel that this is the only option to live.
In Offred's current time, she is lonely with no real connection and the threat of being shipped to the colonies if she is unable to conceive with this commander. She is running out of time and feels that she can not trust anybody. Her commander, has her sneaking out of her bed and visiting his office at night away from the prying eyes of the household. Although, they do little but talk, he does gift her with reading old magazines, playing scrabble etc. Offred is worried about this activity, if she is caught, she will most assuredly be punished. The biggest surprise is that Serena approaches her one day with a crazy plan. Dare Offred, say no? dare she say yes? A baby, any baby is the desired outcome, who's to say it is not the commanders?
Even when the commander takes her on a treat adventure, she is still encaged in an act. She must perform a certain way, for if she is discovered at the club - the consequences are chilling. Through her experiences with the commander she finds that there is a dichotomy within this new world. The powerful, are free to do as they wish. While the weak and impoverished are held to standards that are unbearable. The commanders are a law within themselves and do as they wish with little repercussions. While the handmaids' lives are fraught with fear and isolation. Women have lost all of their power and have become an empty vessel. But it does appear that there is a growing resistance. Will it come in time for Offred?
My recommendations on this book are going to be slightly different than normal. This book is a definite read, but would only encourage this for high school aged and older. The content is frightening and sexual in nature, which will require an adult mindset. I am going to give this book a 4.5 out of 5, it is an excellent read and the author does a great job in painting the picture of this troubling time. But, the necessity of going back and forth in time get's a little confusing for me. I know that it is done in the attempt to explain the current order, I am not sure if all of the flashbacks were necessary.
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