The Definitive Guide to Reading 'The Handmaid's Tale' Book Series in Order
Hello, bookworms! Today, we're diving into the dystopian world of Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale'. If you're a fan of the TV series and eager to read the books, or perhaps you're a long-time fan of Atwood's work, you might be wondering, "What's the best order to read 'The Handmaid's Tale' book series?" Well, wonder no more! We've got you covered with this comprehensive guide. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and the handmaid's tale book order.
Understanding the 'Handmaid's Tale' Universe
Before we dive into the reading order, let's quickly understand the universe Atwood has created. 'The Handmaid's Tale' is set in the near future, in the totalitarian theocratic republic of Gilead, formerly part of the United States. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid assigned to produce children for the ruling class. The narrative explores themes of power, gender, and resistance.
The Main Series
1. The Handmaid's Tale (1985)
Our journey begins with the original novel, The Handmaid's Tale. Published in 1985, this dystopian masterpiece introduces us to the world of Gilead and Offred's harrowing life as a Handmaid. The novel won the Arthur C. Clarke Award and was a finalist for the Booker Prize.
Why read it first? It's the foundation of the entire series. You'll meet Offred, understand the world of Gilead, and set the stage for all the subsequent books.
2. The Testaments (2019)
Atwood's latest addition to the series, The Testaments, is set fifteen years after the events of The Handmaid's Tale. The novel is narrated by three female characters who share their stories of life in Gilead. It's a New York Times bestseller and won the Booker Prize in 2019.
Why read it second? While you could read this before the sequel, The Maytrees, it's best to read The Testaments second to fully understand the evolution of Gilead and the characters.
The Sequels
3. The Maytrees (2007)
This novel is not directly connected to the 'Handmaid's Tale' series, but it's set in the same universe. It follows the story of a woman named Deirdre Maytree, who was a child during the events of The Handmaid's Tale. The novel explores themes of memory, identity, and the impact of Gilead on subsequent generations.
Why read it third? While it's not a direct sequel, The Maytrees provides valuable insights into the long-term effects of Gilead and the resistance against it.
The Graphic Novel Adaptation
4. The Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel (2009)
This graphic novel is a direct adaptation of the original novel. It's a great way to experience the story in a different format and might be useful if you're a visual learner.
Why read it last? While it's a faithful adaptation, it doesn't add much to the story. It's best to read it after you've read the original novel.
Should You Read the Short Stories?
Atwood has written several short stories set in the 'Handmaid's Tale' universe. While they're not essential to the main narrative, they provide interesting insights into the world of Gilead and its characters. If you're a die-hard fan, you might enjoy reading:
- "The Handmaid's Tale" (1983) - The original short story that inspired the novel. - "The Particular Sensibility of the Jedi Knights" (1994) - A short story set in the same universe. - "Uncle Rob" (2013) - A short story published in The New York Times.
Why the Order Matters
Reading the series in order helps to build a clear understanding of the world and the characters. It also allows you to witness the evolution of Gilead and its impact on the characters over time. While you could read the books in any order, we recommend following this guide for the best reading experience.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks! The definitive guide to reading 'The Handmaid's Tale' book series in order. Whether you're a new reader or a long-time fan, we hope this guide helps you navigate the dystopian world of Gilead. Happy reading!