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Science Fiction· Canada

The Handmaid's Tale

by Margaret Atwood
Aggregate Editorial Score71/100
★Women's Prize for Fiction
Published 1985352 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood is a landmark work of science fiction, first published in 1985. In the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic totalitarian state occupying what was once the United States, fertile women called Handmaids are forced to bear children for the ruling class. Offred narrates her daily existence and her secret resistance. Atwood's chilling speculative novel is the founding text of modern feminist dystopian fiction. Themes of theocracy, gender, resistance run through the work. The book has received recognition from Women's Prize for Fiction 1985 and Kirkus Reviews 1985.

Book Details

AuthorMargaret Atwood
Published1985
Country of Origin🇨🇦 Canada
LanguageEnglish
Pages352
Category🚀 Science Fiction
ISBN9780385490818
Editorial Score71/100
About the Category

🚀 Science Fiction

Speculative fiction exploring technology, space, the future, and society.

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Country of Origin

🇨🇦 Canada

This book is part of Canada's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Canada →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1985, Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale is a work of science fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with theocracy, gender, resistance, women gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Among its recognitions: Women's Prize for Fiction 1985; Kirkus Reviews 1985. With an editorial score of 71/100 drawn from 2 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to The Handmaid's Tale for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of theocracy, gender, resistance, women is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. The Handmaid's Tale reflects Margaret Atwood's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Canada's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 2 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Women's Prize for Fiction
winner · global
198560
Kirkus Reviews
notable · global
19857
✍️
About the Author
Margaret Atwood
Canada
View Author →

Margaret Atwood is a celebrated author from Canada known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Handmaid's Tale about?

In the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic totalitarian state occupying what was once the United States, fertile women called Handmaids are forced to bear children for the ruling class. Offred narrates her daily existence and her secret resistance. Atwood's chilling speculative novel is the founding text of modern feminist dystopian fiction.

Who wrote The Handmaid's Tale?

The Handmaid's Tale was written by Margaret Atwood, from Canada. First published in 1985.

What awards has The Handmaid's Tale won?

The Handmaid's Tale has received the following awards and honours: Women's Prize for Fiction 1985; Kirkus Reviews 1985.

Is The Handmaid's Tale worth reading?

The Handmaid's Tale is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 66/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 2 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in theocracy, gender, resistance.

Where can I buy The Handmaid's Tale?

You can buy The Handmaid's Tale on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Handmaid's Tale?

The Handmaid's Tale is classified as Science Fiction. Speculative fiction exploring technology, space, the future, and society.

What country is The Handmaid's Tale from?

The Handmaid's Tale originates from Canada's literary tradition. Explore more books from Canada on our country page.

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