The Handmaid’S Tale … Information For Anyone Who’S Interested

[naomi24]

If anyone is, like me, itching to read the book but reluctant to do so because they don’t want to spoil the television series for themselves ….. good news. I am reliably informed that the book covers only the first series …. so we won’t know the real ending until we’ve watched the complete production. Buying the book as we speak!!

[ethandron]

Ha ha Naomi, I’ve read all the spoilers on line so know exactly what happens by the end of this series, and the beginning of the third (which is in production and due for release here probably next May).
Don’t worry, I’ll not spill the beans ;)

[bainbrig]

Perhaps you're about to disprove all my prejudices about you.

The book is far more hard-hitting than the series (and the series was pretty tough), as an unveiled attack on (particularly) US fundamentalism and right-wing lunacy.

Welcome aboard, Naomi.

BB

[naomi24]

Good - and thank you. We can all do that if we want to.... but I don't want to know .... I really don't. I'm really enjoying it.

[naomi24]

Bainbrig, //Perhaps you're about to disprove all my prejudices about you.//

I’ve no idea what you’re talking about. You don't know me and you know nothing about me.

[ethandron]

Ive found this series very interesting in that it’s been written by someone else but retains the feel of the first series based on the book.
Very dark isn’t it? But totally gripping.

[naomi24]

ethandron, gripping is the word! I watch it, I'm utterly appalled by the storyline - I've never seen anything that comes close to it - but I never want the episodes to end. I so want to know what she's (they) are going to do. I think I'd watch the lot in a marathon session if I could. I'm totally hooked!

[AuntLydia]

I watched the first series in a 'binge' could not stop watching. The second series is just as good. I cannot fault it in any way. Its one of the best things on TV for a while. I get myself comfortable on a Sunday night and before I know it its over, I don't want it to be over lol! glad another series is coming along.

[naomi24]

AuntLydia, I saw one of your posts (unrelated to The Handmaid's Tale) a couple of days ago and, going by your user name, guessed you might be a fan.

[ladybirder]

Yes I noticed the Aunt Lydia poster as well and thought the same. Brilliant but horrifying programme. I'm watching Serena very closely now. So much brilliant acting from so many people. Nothing bad to say about it except it's damned hard to watch but unmissable.

[naomi24]

Oooo ... I'm watching her too, Ladybirder ... very closely. That visit to Canada ... after the beating ... hmmmm...... she's thinking.

[naomi24]

And ... I think the chauffeur is more than he appears to be....

[ladybirder]

Oooo indeed. Roll on Sunday.

No idea what Bainbrig's on about either.

[naomi24]

Nor me, Ladybirder - but there's no accounting for folks - as 'they' say. ;o)

It occurred to me that Nick the chauffeur knew how to complete those documents to enable Serena to issue orders (that she shouldn't have been issuing) when the Commander was in hospital and so Nick could be very useful if Serena and Offred join ranks. Also he spoke very freely to that other top man (can't remember his name). I think there's more to Nick than meets the eye.

I've now got the book on my kindle. I know what tonight's reading will be. :o)

[AuntLydia]

Aunt Lydia fascinates me as a character as does Serena Joy. Nicks new wife Eden is one to watch too.
This is an interesting interview with the Author Margaret Atwood

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/10/books/review/margaret-atwood-handmaids-tale-age-of-trump.html

[tiggerblue10]

I've watched many shocking films, dramas serials etc., but this is on another level. I know I've said it before it is quite terrifying and brilliant at the same time. Elizabeth Moss is one hell of an actor. Shes up for an Emmy for her portrayal of Offred and I really hope she wins.

[ladybirder]

Yes AuntLydia I agree Nick's wife is also one to watch. Thank you for the link, I had no idea a film had been made, and an opera, wow. I must see if I can find the film, I'd love to compare it to this production. Hard to beat I should imagine. Has anyone on here seen it?

[naomi24]

I too agree that Nick's wife is one to watch, but I get the impression she could be the fly in the ointment rather than a rebel. I might be wrong.

Thanks for the link AuntLydia. (Saying your user name gives me the chills!).

I'd heard of the movie and checked Amazon. It stars Natasha Richardson and Faye Dunaway, and can be bought for just under £10.

I think we have to bear in mind that since it's an adaptation of the book, it will only take us to the end of series one though.

[ladybirder]

Hmmm. Wonder what Bainbrig wrote that's been removed. Perhaps he explained what he meant in his 16.51 post Naomi.

[bainbrig]

Perhaps so. Perhaps he countered Naomi’s assertion that she was an unknown being by listing some of her oft-repeated prejudices, and asserting that anyone expressing such views in a public forum like this couldn’t expect to be anonymous.

The only route to anonymity is to keep your views to yourself, he might have added.

Ad hominem, but only in reply to Naomi making a hominem of herself.