'The handmaids tale' and "The testaments' thoughts

[a_natural_beauty]

One goal I want to do in the future is read more banned books. This seems to have gotten more popular over the years and I am happy to see it. Those who wish to band any works of literature regardless of who wrote them and what the subject may be are people who I will never understand.
Back in 2020 I watched the show The handmaids tale. And it completely captured me. I think after the events of January 6th especially. As I watched the show I had the sinking feeling: "this could actually happen... help us all". I know it's a show that isn't for everyone. When I've mentioned it to some - the reactions are of shock and questioning like "You know women get R*#^& in that show, right?!" Yeah... I know. There are many things that happen that are hard to swallow. I think to date it's the darkest show I ever watched. Then I joined fellow handmaid groups on facebook and I learned it's a book series by a woman named Margret Atwood.
It took me a few more years, but I finally found the Handmaids tale back in July while on a trip with Mike and we stopped at a cool little bookstore. Gosh, it was a hard read at times. There were times where I had to put it down for day without picking it up again. But I finished it and I am so glad that I did. Next up! The testaments. This one was also slow and hard to read at times, but eventually it gets more... strong, hopeful are words I would use to describe it. It was well over twice the size of the fist one, but covered many different characters as opposed to the fist book that covered Offred. And after finishing that I was grateful and glad I did.
I do recommend reading these books, but do be cautious as you read them. They are very heavy ones. Also the show is good in it's own way. But heavy and dark, too. There were a good number of differences from the show to the books... But I think each was good in it's own way.

https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2019/09/margaret-atwood-handmaids-tale-testaments-real-life-inspiration

Comments

[matt_zimmer]

I've heard nothing but great things. The book is even referenced in The Un-Iverse as a book Vic Puff burns. But I'm too chickenshit to actually read it or watch the show. I fear I'd get too upset.

[a_natural_beauty]

Yes! I feel like you hit the nail on the head with Vic Puff and wanting this book gone!
It's okay - if you ever do feel like exploring the author, she has many other books I'm sure you would enjoy. :-)

[theradicalchild]

My mom loves The Handmaid's Tale, but it's definitely not my thing.

[a_natural_beauty]

Has she read The testaments?

[theradicalchild]

I don't know and really don't want to feign interest trying to find out if she has.

[a_natural_beauty]

That's completely understandable!

[thunderschoen]

I also "enjoyed" both the show (so far) and the book. I feel like that's not quite the right word because, as you said, it's very difficult watching/reading at times. But I think it's important.

And at least there is a bit of justice and/or revenge in the TV version so it can feel vindicating and powerful in places, after all the difficult scenes.

[a_natural_beauty]

Yes, it's a complicated feeling for sure. June/Offred is such a strong female character, I think what I enjoyed most was cheering her and the other "good guy" characters throughout their struggles in the show. The book felt a-lot more person in some ways compared to show.
Yes, the show left a-lot of emotions when it came to the revenge that was well deserved. I was surprised how intense the show was when it came to violence!

[clouditchi]

I do not understand banning books either. There are some books I would never read but banning them is too far. Handmaid's Tale is on my to-read-list as well I look forward to it.

[a_natural_beauty]

I'm glad you agree! :-) Just turn the other cheek if you don't agree with it.
Let me know how you like it when you are finished!

[brisus]

I had watched the show before knowing that there were books. I think I'd consider reading them. It'd be interesting to see how the tv adaptation is different.

[a_natural_beauty]

Yes, I thought it was interesting. Let me know how you like them if you do decide to read them.

[brisus]

Will do! Thanks!

[a_natural_beauty]

You're welcome! :)