The handmaid's Tale - what do you think?

I have read the book a number of times, and last week I was able to get the DVD on eBay. It depressed me too, but I found it as real wake-up call about what could happen if the "powerful" got out of control.

Interesting that you reference that work. I had only heard about it once in college because some girl was reading it for one of her classes. I have the faintest idea about it. However, I thought the dystopia was based on something which happened that made nearly all women sterile. Hrm, I suppose if I were diligent, I could look it up on Wikipedia.

I found the book really interesting especially how they constructed their idea around an extract from genesis 30:1-3."And when Rachel saw that she bear no children to Jacob, Rachel envied her sisters....And she said behold my maid Bilhah...she shall bear upon my knees..."(sorry I didn't write it all). I just love how margret put this text on the introduction of her book. I kept going back to read it and saw how it was interpreted exactly as it was said. This book is one of my favorites and I love how she uses biblical allusions throughout the book. It also kind of makes you appreciate all the little things that you have and make you realize that it could all be gone in an instance. Also the realization that our world is really corrupt and cruel comes to thought and how people are attached to sin not realizing it and are desperate to be loved by someone. For example when offred goes to see nick every night. I just love this book because it makes you think about society and people.

I read The Handmaid's Tale way back when it was first released, and quite frankly, it chilled me right down to the bone. I do reread it on occansion, and it is one that has stood up through the years. What got me the most was the simple fact that this could really happen.