In this book about a frightening (and possible) future, we hear the story of Offred, a woman who is enslaved as a 'handmaid' or surrogate mother for a childless government official and his wife. She describes her daily life, where she shops for groceries by picture (women of her class are not allowed to read or write) and endures being both revered as an instrument of divine favor and ridiculed as a slave. Offred (lit. 'of Fred', denoting who she belongs to) dreams of things she used to take for granted, such as earning her own money, going to college, and sharing her life with her husband and daughter. The most chilling moment is when she looks back and realizes that all of the changes in society happened slowly, over time, until all of her freedoms were gone. This was a fascinating read, full of vivid images and suspense (will Offred give the couple the child they want, or will she be executed? Will she be reunited with her family?). Very thought provoking as well.
Leatherby Libraries Call Number: PR9199.3.A8 H3 1986
2nd Floor Humanities Library
Review submitted by: Melissa McCook, Faculty Services Specialist, Santa Maria Campus
Rating: Recommended
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