| Following a terrorist attack, a radical sect takes over the United States, and control of women's bodies. Those who have proven their ability to reproduce (a rarity in a time when pollution and abortion have ruined many people's bodies) are forced to become "handmaids," sexual servants of men in high government positions. This story is told by one of those women, stripped of her true name but not her memories of the life before, when she was allowed to read, travel freely, be married and care for her child. Fitting into this new system is difficult, but failure to conform results in facing the ultimate punishment. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - depressing/sad FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story Repressive society story Yes Repressive because: Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Descript. of chases or violence - 0 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 30 % Who's a slave/repressed? - women are slaves Main Character Identity: - Female Profession/status: Age: - 40's-50's Main Adversary Identity: - an organization How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a little/some Setting Earth setting: - near future (later in 21st century) Takes place on Earth? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - impregnation/reproduction - actual description of sex How much dialogue? - significantly more descript than dialog |
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