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The Handmaid's Tale

By: Margaret Atwood
Narrated by: Amy Landecker, Ann Dowd, Bradley Whitford, Elisabeth Moss
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

Shortlisted for Audiobook of the Year at the British Book Awards 2020.

Winner of Best Audiobook (Fiction) at the New York Festival Radio Awards 2020.

Read by Elisabeth Moss, star of the hit Channel 4 TV series.

Go back to where it all began with the dystopian novel behind the award-winning TV series.

"I believe in the resistance as I believe there can be no light without shadow; or rather, no shadow unless there is also light."

Offred is a Handmaid in The Republic of Gilead, a religious totalitarian state in what was formerly known as the United States. She is placed in the household of The Commander, Fred Waterford - her assigned name, Offred, means 'of Fred'. She has only one function: to breed. If Offred refuses to enter into sexual servitude to repopulate a devastated world, she will be hanged. Yet even a repressive state cannot eradicate hope and desire. As she recalls her pre-revolution life in flashbacks, Offred must navigate through the terrifying landscape of torture and persecution in the present day, and between two men upon which her future hangs.

Masterfully conceived and executed, this haunting vision of the future places Margaret Atwood at the forefront of dystopian fiction.

'As relevant today as it was when Atwood wrote it' Guardian

'A fantastic, chilling story. And so powerfully feminist', Bernardine Evaristo, author of Girl, Woman, Other.


©2011 O W Toad Ltd (P)2019 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

"This beautifully produced audiobook version of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale will whet appetites for its long-awaited sequel, The Testaments, released in September.... The several narrators match the powerful heft of Atwood’s elegant, economical prose." (The Times)

What listeners say about The Handmaid's Tale

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Can't get enough!

The Handmaid's Tale is one of the best books / tv shows to ever happen. The book / audiobook is excellent I just wish there were more

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Amazing Listen

I've held off a long time on listening to this book because I seen some God awful film when I was a kid and thought no way.... but it was getting such rave reviews I just had to give it a chance... I did the whole book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. Amazing writing. so beautifully written. the book is just perfect and the narrator really is right for the job. I’m so glad I didn't let an old movie block my chance at one of the best books in my audible library. fabulous!!!!

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Thoroughly enjoyed

This was my first audio book and thought I’d try as it’s so popular. Wasn’t disappointed!
Couldn’t stop listening and finished over 3 days. Lovely to have on in the car on my way to and from work and the school run and helped me sleep better.
Loved the fact the story went from present to past and back and how it was told in different perspectives too.

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Outstanding

Elizabeth Moss’s narration makes this a must listen. The story is tremendous achievement. Highly recommend

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The best

This is quite simply the best audio book I have ever listened to. Outstanding in every way.

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Thoroughly enjoyed it

Even more relevant now than in 1985, a must read ! Great narration from Ms Moss

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yes!

wonderfully horrific! a Must for all even I'd tippy think it might not be for you!

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Brilliant

Excellent. beautiful written and read. very thought provoking and memorable. Will definitely be recommending it.

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Excellent

i really loved this book. Excellent narration and compelling story deftly written. would thoroughly recommend.

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Truly incredible

This powerful yet frightening story, yet not a story, was my holiday listen and I’m not sure I’m glad or sad but has enriched my perspective on life.

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