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The Handmaid's Tale

By: Margaret Atwood
Narrated by: Amy Landecker, Ann Dowd, Bradley Whitford, Elisabeth Moss
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Publisher's Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

Shortlisted for Audiobook of the Year at the British Book Awards 2020.

Winner of Best Audiobook (Fiction) at the New York Festival Radio Awards 2020.

Read by Elisabeth Moss, star of the hit Channel 4 TV series.

Go back to where it all began with the dystopian novel behind the award-winning TV series.

"I believe in the resistance as I believe there can be no light without shadow; or rather, no shadow unless there is also light."

Offred is a Handmaid in The Republic of Gilead, a religious totalitarian state in what was formerly known as the United States. She is placed in the household of The Commander, Fred Waterford - her assigned name, Offred, means 'of Fred'. She has only one function: to breed. If Offred refuses to enter into sexual servitude to repopulate a devastated world, she will be hanged. Yet even a repressive state cannot eradicate hope and desire. As she recalls her pre-revolution life in flashbacks, Offred must navigate through the terrifying landscape of torture and persecution in the present day, and between two men upon which her future hangs.

Masterfully conceived and executed, this haunting vision of the future places Margaret Atwood at the forefront of dystopian fiction.

'As relevant today as it was when Atwood wrote it' Guardian

'A fantastic, chilling story. And so powerfully feminist', Bernardine Evaristo, author of Girl, Woman, Other.


©2011 O W Toad Ltd (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"This beautifully produced audiobook version of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale will whet appetites for its long-awaited sequel, The Testaments, released in September.... The several narrators match the powerful heft of Atwood’s elegant, economical prose." (The Times)

What listeners say about The Handmaid's Tale

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Gripping from the first chapter

Loved listening to this story being read. I couldn't get into the tv series with the same abandon! Extraordinary insight into human nature which, I believe, does not change across eras.

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Loved!!

Loved this audiobook. Great story, and to be ready by the actor who plays Offred in the TV series is just the cherry on top. Can't wait to start the next book!

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A Modern 1984

Great novel that doesn't bare spoiling.

Made even better by the fantastic performance of Ann Dowd.

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Wow

Thought provoking, disturbing intriguing captivating
Strong story leaves you stunned in question and asking questions

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Loved it.

Have watched the show off and on but love the way the book has expanded my view of Offred and managed to somehow have been covered over 3 seasons. Twists and turns that seem out of place In the book but aren’t as the book is the beginning. Love it.

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RIVETING

Having just completed this audio book, I am left wanting to read Atwood’s sequel transcripts.
From the beginning, the book had me hooked.
As each chapter passed, I was left more and more breathless with a rollercoaster of emotions.
Superbly written and narrated.

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Excelente story,.

So perfectly read by Elizabeth Moss, she really gets you into the book.
Can't wait to get more books

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Vocal fry!

Excellent book which deserves the best of narrators. Why use a narrator that croaks. Infuriating.

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Download Now!

Read quite a bit of Atwood in high school. Years have passed and here she is, still kicking and writing. Seems to me, more entrancing than ever! Have not and will not watch the series adaptation (little interest in TV) but can say found this novel enthralling! Will certainly be a repeat offender and referral. Also thought the reader (whom I believe plays the main role in the series) was fantastic!

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Great book beautifully narrated

Great book beautifully narrated. I want to know more - did she survive? What about Nick, Luke, and her daughter? A sure sign of a great novel.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.