My Goodreads review: The Testaments

[ankh_hpl]

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This sequel to The Handmaid's Tale actually felt much more optimistic than its predecessor, with more world-building and more insight into the lives of women other than Handmaids. The addition of one Canadian viewpoint on Gilead helped me realize that all of the former US had not become this horrific theocracy . . . and, as per usual in near-future SF, California & Texas were once again their own countries.

As an over-40 reader, I particularly appreciated the Testament of one of the series' villains: the infamous Aunt Lydia. She quickly became one of my favorite characters, allowing a glimpse into the secret (but uniquely powerful) world of Gilead's Aunts. Saying more than that about her, however, would mean committing Spoiler. This book is way too much sheer fun -- as well as creepily insightful -- for me to risk doing that.

I enjoyed this one on Audible, an experience I would recommend. The performances are all first-rate, with cameos from Margaret Atwood herself.



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