Review: The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always find it fascinating when a novel written years or even decades ago can still ring so true when read again by modern readers. This book was originally published in the 1980's, decades after the start of the Women's Movement, but in a decade that saw tremendous advancement and backlash against the struggle for equality and autonomy for women. Sadly, even in 2017, we are still having many of the same conversations that our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and sisters have had before us.

I found Atwood's book to be both intriguing and absolutely terrifying. First, I love dystopian fiction. It is one of the richest genres, in my opinion. It often has the ability to shine the light on social issues and inequalities in a way that is thought-provoking and accessible. The world that Atwood created was so vivid and believable. Given the right catalyst, I could easily see this becoming a reality. As a woman and as a Christian, the world that Atwood created terrified me on so many levels.

These days it feels like every advancement and right that women have managed to secure since winning the right to vote in 1911 is under attack. It feels like everyone and their brother (pun intended here) has an opinion on what I and my fellow females should do with our lives, bodies, and what our role in society should be. Nevermind, what we think, as many of these discussions are happening behind closed doors in rooms full of white men. I also love how politicians and the like will hide behind the "family values" or "Christian values" banner as justification for rolling back the advancements that women have fought so hard for and continue to fight for.

Don't misunderstand. I don't hate men and I'm not some "crazy" feminist. I do consider myself a feminist, but feminism to me has always meant that women have the right to chose. You want to get married and be a stay-at-home-mom? Good for you! You want to be a CEO and run your own business and not have children? Awesome! You want to be a CEO and run your own business and have a family? More power to you! The point is, that every woman should have the right to chose what she wants for her life and should be given the same opportunities as her male counterparts, free of social pressures and judgment. Sadly, we are not there yet. And as a Christian, nothing angers me more than when people justify hatred, bigotry, and oppression with religion. Nothing could be less "Christian."

But I digress. The point I'm trying to make is that Atwood's book is as relevant today as it was when it was published over 30 years ago. I'm excited to watch the series on Hulu (I know, I'm behind the curve!), especially since it has gotten such great reviews and won so many awards. I think books like The Handmaid's Tale are important, especially in today's society, because they serve as a reminder of the need to stay vigilant in the continued battle for equality and how easily it can disappear.

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