📚 Books to Read After The Handmaids Tale
Just finished the handmaids tale? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Rating: 4.16 / 5 (42,056 ratings), Published: 1993
When to read it: When you're navigating a changing world or searching for hope amidst chaos.
This groundbreaking dystopian novel follows a young woman with hyperempathy syndrome as she journeys through a post-apocalyptic America. Butler's exploration of resilience, community, and belief in a better future resonates deeply with Atwood fans. A compelling mix of speculative fiction and social commentary.
Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Afrofuturism
After reading: Readers will be left contemplating the power of interconnectedness, adaptability, and the enduring strength of human spirit.
📘 The Power by Naomi Alderman
Rating: 3.87 / 5 (153,616 ratings), Published: 2016
When to read it: When you're pondering societal power dynamics and gender roles.
In this electrifying novel, women suddenly develop the ability to generate electric shocks, shifting the balance of power globally. Alderman's provocative narrative challenges assumptions about gender and authority, making it a riveting choice for "The Handmaid's Tale" enthusiasts seeking thought-provoking themes.
Genres: Science Fiction, Feminism, Speculative Fiction
After reading: Readers will be provoked to reconsider entrenched power structures and ponder the consequences of unchecked authority.
📘 Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Rating: 4.03 / 5 (303,978 ratings), Published: 2014
When to read it: When you're reflecting on the fragility of civilization or the importance of art in dark times.
Mandel's haunting novel weaves together the pre- and post-apocalyptic lives of a group of interconnected individuals, highlighting the endurance of art, humanity, and interconnectedness. Its lyrical prose and poignant storytelling resonate with the atmospheric depth found in "The Handmaid's Tale."
Genres: Dystopian, Literary Fiction, Survivors' Narratives
After reading: Readers will be left with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of art, the interconnectedness of human lives, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
📘 The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Rating: 4.19 / 5 (101,861 ratings), Published: 2019
When to read it: When you crave a deeper exploration of the world of Gilead and its consequences.
This gripping sequel to "The Handmaid's Tale" offers a compelling continuation of the dystopian regime of Gilead, exploring the lives of three vastly different women. Atwood's sharp writing style and intricate world-building make this novel a must-read for fans of the original masterpiece.
Genres: Dystopian, Feminism, Political Fiction
After reading: Readers will gain further insight into the complex dynamics of power, agency, and resistance in a totalitarian society, leaving them with a renewed sense of hope and defiance.
📘 Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Rating: 4.23 / 5 (93,705 ratings), Published: 1979
When to read it: When you're reflecting on the impact of history on the present and the resilience of the human spirit.
Butler's novel blends science fiction with historical fiction as it follows a young African American writer who time travels between her present and the Antebellum South. Through this gripping narrative, Butler deftly explores themes of racial identity, power, and survival, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read for fans of thought-provoking speculative fiction like "The Handmaid's Tale."
Genres: Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Race
After reading: Readers will be prompted to contemplate the enduring legacy of history, the complexities of identity, and the strength found in facing and learning from the past.