I can see the importance of this book, but I don’t think it is that marvellous writing piece that some think it is.

Its core ideas are very important (misogyny, religion, faith, State, etc.), but I just couldn’t subscribe to the way Atwood works with those themes and concepts.

I’m a sucker for a good dystopian story, so it really surprises me that I didn’t give more than 3 stars to this book. But I can’t, in good faith, give it more than that

I’ve seen reviews praising its literary qualities. And, though I agree that Atwood’s mastery of the English language is not an issue, I just don’t think it serves the story or its characters. It’s just good writing in the wind to me.

Unlike something like Hyperion by Dan Simmons. This book is also very well written, certainly better than 95% of sci-fi books out there, but it actually works with the scope of the story and its characters. It makes me want to read more, not sigh and think « ok Atwood, please move on ». I could say the same about Ursula Le Guin, her great writing helps the book, it doesn’t fight it.

So yeah, quite disappointed with this one.