With The Testaments being the most hyped book in recent years my expectations were high. Few books since Harry Potter have been so highly anticipated—a major midnight launch in London, a Booker Prize nomination two months before release and endless speculation across media platforms. I was eager to get reading as soon as my gorgeous signed copy arrived through the letterbox.
I by no means expected this sequel to match the brilliance of The Handmaid’s Tale, but after just a few pages it felt strikingly different from its predecessor. While The Testaments comprises an intriguing narrative that adds an enthralling exposition to the world of Gilead, unfortunately, it lacks some of the unforgettable aspects I loved in Offred’s tale.
Set 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments is told through three separate narratives—or rather, testimonies—of drastically different characters: the intimidating Aunt Lydia, one of the earliest founding converts of Gilead who has risen to utmost power; Agnes, a Gilead-grown teenager who has only known life inside the theocracy; and Daisy, a young Canadian who was smuggled out of the next-door dictatorship when she was a baby.
First, we learn more about the terrifying totalitarian world of Gilead: its corrupt realities and inner workings are revealed through the calculated Aunt Lydia. Reading from her perspective was fascinating; offering a self-reflective, sometimes melancholy, tone while often addressing her future reader. The moral ambiguity which emanates from her and her fellow Aunts is one of the most engrossing aspects of the story. It’s Lydia’s subversive plotting to exact revenge on those who created Gilead which provides the page-turning plot. However, it was at the sacrifice of character development.
Yes, Agnes’s perspective gives us a wider insight into the oppressive life in Gilead and when juxtaposed with Daisy’s we understand just how rigid, hierarchical and corrupt the autocracy is. However, their perspectives were less introspective, and gone is the clever language which I so loved throughout Offred’s musings. The younger girls’ perspectives lacked poetic prose and rather bordered on resembling a Young Adult narrative voice.
Moreover, the tenor between reader and writer is stronger than ever while discussing poignant topics predominate in today’s political climate. Some of the criticism of this books denounces that it is too heavy-handed, that it’s too obviously a condemnation of our current times. However, I believe we need more books like this right now. Throughout the narrative, Atwood comments on environmental catastrophes, unemployment, economic crises, while illustrating her corrupt world—all significant issues in contemporary society.
This sequel aptly ties in with the ending of the TV adaptation’s third season, appeasing the appetites and expectations of fans of the franchise. However, it lacks the distinct elegance and nuance of the former. The central message of resistance against female oppression is just as central as in The Handmaid’s Tale, but is it worthy of the Booker Prize? I’m not so sure.
Finally, closing the book, some of my burning questions were left unanswered, but honestly, that’s okay. Atwood has wholly developed the world which I found both fascinating and terrifying in The Handmaid’s Tale. While this isn’t a new favourite book of mine, there’s no denying that Atwood is a literary icon and I’m happy this story exists.
Author: Margaret Atwood
Published: September 2019
Pages: 424
Rating: 3.5 stars
Read more book reviews over on Goodreads.
Also read: 9 Ways to Read More Books.
Have you read The Testaments yet? What are your thoughts?
Evie.
bookbeachbunny says
Glad you liked the book! I’ve gone back and forth on this one. I’m re-reading the Handmaids Tale but do you think you have to watch the show to enjoy this book? Reviews seem very mixed considering all the hype it was getting.
eviejayne says
Not at all! I just think she’s written the novel with the show in mind as it links nicely to where it ended. It also includes another character name that’s included in the show too, but you by no means need to have watched it to enjoy the book! I think the fact that my expectations were so high after all the hype is why I found it slightly disappointing haha
Aaliyah says
I still haven’t read The Handmaids Tale and I know I need to because I’ve heard so many good things about the book and the movie. Knowing that the first book was so good I’m definitely going to give that a read before I move to this one! Great review x
eviejayne says
I couldn’t recommend reading the book more! You should 100% watch the TV series afterwards too, both are incredible! x
thisdreamsalive says
I really want to read this! I loved the first book (I haven’t watched the show) but I would have hoped for a little continuation of Offred’s tale
eviejayne says
That’s what I hoped for initially too, but I really enjoyed reading from Aunt Lydia’s perspective nonetheless!
Meaghan says
I’m a new visitor – can’t believe how good looking your blog is and your reviews are great, so well written!
MB
eviejayne says
Ah thank you so much!
Corinne ❄️ (@WhatCorinneDid) says
I read the handmaid’s tale not so long ago and although I appreciate the messages and warning, I was also somehow disappointed. I thought there were so many plot wholes and things that didn’t make sense. However, I was quite interested by the sequel as I felt we don’t know what happened to Offred at the end. Shame it is not as good though
eviejayne says
Yeah I understand why it may not be for everyone, it is quite nuanced and ambiguous. I think that’s why it’s great we have a TV adaptation to follow Offred’s journey more!
Britt K says
I have definitely been anticipating this one but haven’t had a chance to get my hands on it yet! I love that it gives such different perspectives with the wide variety of characters. That being said, I’ve also been worried about the fact that I might be building it up so much that I’m setting myself up to be disappointed, that even an incredible book isn’t going to be quite ‘good enough’ to live up to what I’m looking for lol
eviejayne says
I think that’s why I was slightly disappointed haha, I set my expectations too high! That being said, I still recommend reading it because some people have loved it!
Macey @ Brine and Books says
Oof, I think that I personally wouldn’t like the “heavy-handed” nature of inserting current political conversations in the novel, but that wouldn’t necessarily put me off completely. What a shame that the younger characters had that YA tone to them! As much as I didn’t really enjoy The Handmaid’s Tale (still couldn’t put it down because it was very intriguing, and I just had to know what happened!), I think I’ll still pick this sequel up x
eviejayne says
I understand why the political aspects may not being for everyone, but Atwood does insert them rather subtly at times too! Yeah I recommend still giving it a go, I know that some people have loved it! Aunt Lydia’s perspective was really enjoyable too and added a tone quite different to Offred’s perspective in The Handmaid’s Tale! x
Linda I PagesandPapers says
I only recently got around to reading it and was also left with mixed feelings. It was so unlike The Handmaid’s Tale but I still loved the idea and the writing style. What bothered me the most though was the ending. I would’ve wished it to be a bit more ambiguous and, well, less happy? All in all I’d still recommend it!
eviejayne says
Yes! That’s what struck me the most too: how different it was from The Handmaid’s Tale. I also think it was written to satisfy viewers of the TV show! But same here! I’ll forever love Atwood’s work ? x
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