The Handmaid’s Tale is a powerful dystopian story told through the eyes of Offred, a handmaid trying to exist in the Republic of Gilead where women have little freedom and carry all the blame of a shrinking population.

Set in the future this tale is a shocking read with a powerful message that shows us just how frail our freedom really is. In Gilead, handmaids must bear children for couples who cannot conceive. This is not a choice, it’s a totalitarian state and to refuse means leaving the community and becoming an outcast if no greater punishment is awarded.

The Handmaid’s Tale is not an easy read, it’s thoughtful and sometimes sad, but always important. If you are a fan of dystopian dramas without the fluff of modern tech they tend to include, this book is for you.