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The Handmaid's Tale

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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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About this listen

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.

'A contemporary classic… the book serves as a chilling reminder of what women have experienced' Independent

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

Dystopian Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Political Science Fiction Women's Voices World Literature Classics
All stars
Most relevant  
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.

Gripping from the first chapter

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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!

Loved!!

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Great novel that doesn't bare spoiling.

Made even better by the fantastic performance of Ann Dowd.

A Modern 1984

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

Wow

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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.

Loved it.

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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.

RIVETING

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

Excelente story,.

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

Vocal fry!

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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!

Download Now!

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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.

Great book beautifully narrated

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