In this episode of Authors Talking Bookish, we take a deep dive into The Handmaid’s Tale—not just as readers, but as writers. We explore Margaret Atwood’s masterful craft: her use of voice, world building, and the chilling plausibility that makes this dystopian classic so enduring. We also share our take on the most recent adaptation and how it expands (or shifts) the original narrative. Most importantly, we discuss why stories like this matter now more than ever—especially in today’s cultural and political climate. Whether you're a fan, a critic, or reading it for the first time, this conversation will challenge you to think about the power and responsibility of storytelling.

SHOW NOTES:

• Happy 2 Year Anniversary Episode!
• Our first exposure to The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
  • Then vs. now impressions
  • Reading in a pre versus post-Roe v. Wade-overturning climate
• The Handmaid’s Tale and today’s political climate

• A writer’s perspective on style, plot, world building & character
  • Do you prefer stories that lean heavily on internal narration or action?
  • Dystopian fiction genre

• Alignment and critical view of the 1990 Film & Hulu adaptation
  • The shift to a visual medium
  • How 1st person, stream-of-consciousness is handled differently through visual flashback
  • Fleshed-out storylines (Ofglen, Serena Joy, Nick, Moira)
  • Did the adaptations remain true to the heart of the novel or change too much?

• The Testaments, Margaret Atwood

SOURCES & LINKS

The Handmaid’s Tale & The Testaments, Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale, 1990, Director Volker Schlöndorff

The Handmaid’s Tale, 2017-2025, TV Series Creator Bruce Miller (6 seasons)

“Gilead Revisit: What Went Wrong with The Handmaid’s Tale Movie”, Collider

Sarah Grynberg Podcast, “The Dark Truth About The Handmaid’s Tale”

DO NOW:

Read them. Watch them.

Become informed about women’s rights.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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