Book Review: The Handmaid's Tale

The handmaid's tale is a book with a unique take. In this book, Margaret Atwood portrays a fictional world called the Republic of Gilead. In this world, the basic civil rights of women have been taken away. She describes every individual character with extreme precision. The narration is in first person and clearly shows the isolated thought-process of Offred, the lead of the book. It depicts the struggles of women at a place where the contemporary laws and authorities do not apply. In this world, the women are oppressed and controlled by the individuals in power. Atwood's story-telling is incredibly  remarkable and her will to take up a politically controversial topic is appealing to her readers.

The book mostly explores how the lead struggles with her identity. She frequently loses herself in that part of her life where women had all the rights they have in the real world today. She thinks about each and every minute detail of her current life and its struggles as compared to the one she lived before. The book is narrated so exclusively from her point of view that it makes the readers feel like they are inside her head. Offred tries not to lose her individual traits, likes and dislikes, the qualities that distinguish her. She shows small acts of disobedience which reflect on the human nature to retaliate to being controlled to this extent. 

It also touches on how the power dynamic between different classes is maintained. There are classes that define each individual. Women having lost any and all power they had, also have their own groups within them. For instance, women carrying children are considered elite and someone most other women would envy. The book also explores the idea of an escape from the brutality of the Republic of Gilead. By introducing the character Moira the author provides the lead with the hope of getting out. 

Although the book is fictional, many readers as myself cannot help but connect the dots and compare it to the world we live in today. The author's exaggerated depiction of Gilead is somewhere true, although not to the extent of her work. Her book is a powerful portrayal of feminist literature. Many have deemed it to be too controversial but the novel has won numerous awards and has also been adapted to a television series. 

I am a firm believer of Aristotle's quote- "The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, and be nothing." In my opinion, the book is an amazing read. It does touch up on some sensitive topics politically and religiously but it depicts a very chilling similarity to the current times. The lack of rights women faced for years, the oppression and control of their rights can be seen even today in several countries. It is a book that asks several thought-provoking questions to the readers. The book, in a way, warns all readers to stay cautious and mindful of their human rights and the power dynamics that exist in our society.