A faceless woman with a basket is shown in simple, pure white hat and red frock. Behind her looms a brick wall, confining her to a world still unknown to the reader. However, the cover of The Handmaid's Tale first has already pulled down the veil and set the tone of the story of what is in this mysterious world.
This novel is about a world where the government is king; it is a world that has been de-sexualized and attempting at perfection. Its origins, and the history of the stories and world that existed before, are revealed to us through the eyes of a handmaid. A handmaid whose sole purpose is to create a child by routinely having sex with her Commander. Therefore, as depicted on the cover, these women are faceless to anyone that really matters. Although these handmaids are not mistreated, they are clearly unhappy and in their monotone, trapped lives. Their goals are to have children and escape.
The story is somber but the writing and devices used are wonderful. Although at times it causes the same emotional tension and calls for great emotional investment as the Beach, the tempo meanders and it can be read slowly. The protagonists seem like they couldn't be in more different conditions but they are clearly both risk-takers, as many protagonists seem to be. This characteristic ultimately determines their fates.
~to be cont'd~
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